Bone and Joint Military Medical Disqualifications

Bone and Joint Military Medical DisqualificationsBone and Joint Military Medical DisqualificationsThere are several medical conditions involving bones and jointsthat can disqualify otherwise eligible candidates from joining the U.S. military. Some of these ailments can be excused with a waiver depending upon the circumstances, but waivers are typically on a case-by-case basis. Many depend upon the injury or defect, or the technological advances in surgical repairs. Bone Fractures If youve had a fracture and it healed without surgery, your chances of getting into the military are good. What could be disqualifying are situations where the fracture caused some kind of permanent damage. Examples Current nonunion of any fracture (except asymptomatic ulnar styloid process fracture)Current retained hardware that is symptomatic and interferes with proper wearing of protective equipment or military uniform, and/or is subject to easy traumaCurrent devices, including, but not limited to sil astic or titanium, implanted to correct orthopedic abnormalitiesCurrent or history of contusion of bone or joint an injury of more than a minor nature that will interfere or prevent performance of military duty, or will require frequent or prolonged treatment without fracture nerve injury, open wound, crush or dislocation, which occurred within the preceding six weeks (upper extremity, lower extremity, ribs and clavicle) History of joint replacementof any siteCurrent or history of muscular paralysis, contracture, or atrophy, if progressive or of sufficient degree to interfere with or prevent satisfactory performance of military duty or if it will require frequent or prolonged treatmentCurrent osteochondritis dissecansCurrent or history of osteochondromatosis or multiple cartilaginous exostosesCurrent osteoporosisCurrent osteomyelitis, or history of recurrent osteomyelitis Pain That Prevents Full Range of Motion or Ability Here are some conditions that fall under this category An y current or history of chondromalacia, including, but not limited to chronic patellofemoral pain syndrome and retro-patellar pain syndrome, chronic gelenkentzndungor traumatic arthritisCurrent joint dislocation or a history of recurrent dislocations of any major joint such as shoulder, trendig, elbow, knee, ankle, or instability of any major joint (shoulder, elbow, hip, ankle, and foot, or multiple sites)History of recurrent instability of the knee or shoulder However, surgical repairs may make some ofthese issues eligible for a waiver. In addition, any current or history of chronic osteoarthritisor traumatic arthritisof isolated joints of more than a minimal degree that has interfered with the following of a physically active vocation in civilian life, or that prevents the satisfactory performance of military duty is disqualifying. Foot and Ankle Injuries Most debilitating foot or ankle injuries will be disqualifying. Any current neuroma that impairs walking, marching, running , or jumping, or prevents the proper wearing of military footwearCurrent or history of deformities of the toes that prevent the proper wearing of military footwear or impairs walking, marching, running, or jumpingCurrent or history of clubfoot or pes cavusCurrent symptomatic pes planus or history of pes planus corrected by prescription or custom orthoticsCurrent ingrown toenails, if infected or symptomaticCurrent plantar fasciitis Candidates and recruits must not have any current injuries, even if the injury is minor and can heal in a short period of time. Disqualifying Leg, Knee, Thigh, and Hip Conditions Current loose or foreign body within the knee jointHistory of uncorrected anterior or posterior cruciate ligament injuryHistory of surgical correction of knee ligaments is disqualifying only if symptomatic or unstable. Current symptomatic medial and lateral collateral ligament injuryCurrent symptomatic medial and lateral meniscal injuryCurrent unspecified internal derangement of the kneeCurrent or history of congenital dislocation of the hip, osteochondritis of the hip (Legg-Calv-Perthes disease), or slipped femoral epiphysis of the hip Current or history of hip dislocation within 2 years preceding examinationCurrent osteochondritis of the tibial tuberosity (Osgood-Schlatter disease) is disqualifying General Conditions Current deformities, disease, or chronic joint pain of pelvic region, thigh, lower leg, ankle, and/or foot that have prevented the person from following a physically active vocation in civilian life, or that would interfere with walking, running, weight bearing, or the satisfactory completion of training or military duty, are disqualifying.