ACL reconstructive surgery, In or not??

[ranger17]

I was wondering if anyone knew what my chances of getting a pilot slot for the AF or reserves if I have had ACL reconstructive surgery? Any info you can give would be great.

 

[Steeler Fan]

ACL

If you want the answer for AF Active Duty OTS, call your local recruiter, www.airforce.com (contact us, advisor locator).

Based on what I've seen, as long as your documentation is thorough, and you have paperwork to show that you've recovered, then you should be in good shape. Record keeping is essential.

 

[CCDiscoB]

Non-Issue

If your knee works, full range of motion, then no problem. I had my knee repaired, MCL, and never had a problem.

Think of all the AF Academy football players that have gone to UPT.

 

[ranger17]

Thanks for the information, I really appreciate the help.

 

[501261]

I blew out my ACL some years ago. Thankfully our team orthopedic was very progressive and suggested that I not get it operated on. 14 years later I think we made the right decision.

I've got a couple of friends that had their ACL reconstructed and they are all limping around today. Whereas, my right knee doesn't have an ACL, yet I'm moving around pretty good, much better than the guys that had reconstruction.

The thinking is this, it is better to make the other 3 ligaments around your knee stronger and go about life with only 3 of the 4 ligaments. Than to have your knee cut wide open and have a cadaver ligament put in its place (possible infection, etc). Of course this was 14 years ago, before all the lasers and such that make the recovery easier.

Unfortunately I don't know how this will affect your military career. I do know that I have no problem jogging 5 miles a day and skiing or doing other activity.

The bottom-line is that you may want to have a second opinion regarding having your knee cut wide open.

 

[ranger17]

Well in my case I have already had the surgery, and it has been just over 5 years and I haven't had any problems. My surgery went extremely well though, was totally back from surgery in about 3 1/2 months. They had told it would be somewhere along the lines of 6-9 months. They also used my own petillar tendion in my knee instead of the cadaveer ligament. The reason I went ahead and had the surgery is because I've known a few people who had opted not too, and occasionally they will have thier knees go out on them. But who knows how I will feel in 15 years when I'm 40. I'll let you know then . Thanks for the info.