Physiology of Diving: Journal of Hyperbaric Arthralgia

摘要

Hyperbaric arthralgia includes a collection of joint symptoms that occur during compression to higher than normobaric pressures when nitrogen-oxygen or helium-oxygen mixtures are breathed (Bradley and Vorosmarti 1974). The prominent joint symptoms are joint pain and popping (cracking). The two frequently coexist, though either can occur independently during diving with helium-oxygen breathing mixtures. Joint pain is not prominent during air diving, although popping frequently occurs. This suggests that the mechanisms operative in helium-oxygen diving are also present in air diving. The perceived absence of joint pain during air diving is probably a result of the analgesia caused by nitrogen narcosis, which may mask mild degrees of pain.