Metal work in ankle

[Beeblebrox]

Hello, I'm keen to try and join the TA but I broke my ankle a few years back, requiring some metal work to hold the bones together. I've found some contradictory advice as to whether it'd be a bar to entry.

It isn't the traditional screws right through but a small pin in each lower leg bone with a thin band holding them together. I'm hoping that because it's not load bearing it wouldn't be an issue, but does anyone know for sure?

 

[walkyrie]

From the Army Jobs Website - Medical conditions - British Army Website

"Lower limb fractures with internal fixation (metalwork) still in place" would stop you from joining.

If you want an absolute definitive answer then call your local careers office.

 

[Beeblebrox]

Yeah I saw that. The thing that has got me wondering was this paper: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15912677

And various comments in threads on the internet. Hopefully it won't be a problem, but I'll give them a bell tomorrow.

 

[scruff_2]

As part of the application process you will have to complete a medical questionnaire, this need to be authenticated by your own GP. It is then sent to an Army Development and Assessment Centre and they will make the decision as to whether or not you can join.

 

[Noodles]

Hello, I'm keen to try and join the TA but I broke my ankle a few years back, requiring some metal work to hold the bones together. I've found some contradictory advice as to whether it'd be a bar to entry.

It isn't the traditional screws right through but a small pin in each lower leg bone with a thin band holding them together. I'm hoping that because it's not load bearing it wouldn't be an issue, but does anyone know for sure?

As long as it's over one year ago, asymptomatic during military type exercise, without deformity and is not tender and it's not complex surgery/a major intra-articular fracture you should be okay to join. Make sure you have the letters from your orthopod put in your FMed4 and take copies to your medical just in case. You will almost certainly be referred to the Single Service Occupational Physician.

Get those letters!

 

[Beeblebrox]

Thanks for the replies.

The recruitment office said it would be a medical decision and I'm pretty hopeful as it was years ago, wasn't a huge break (the metal work was largely due to ligament damage) and I've been doing intensive exercise on it for years without complaint.

I'll get my GP on it!

 

[theoriginalphantom]

take a look here

http://www.arrse.co.uk/regular-soldier-recruitment/88755-medical-info-recruiting-jsp-346-a.html

 

[MGArmy]

I'm having the same kind of problem. I passed my 2 day selection to join the Army BUT there was a problem with my medical "I have 2 small screws in my lower leg" (not to hold nothing together because they can now be removed but my doctor said just to leave them in there). I've had them in my leg now for 9 years and no problems with them at all. Anyway I did my medical on day one and the doctor said at this time I can't join the Army until I've been deferred to a specialist. She told me to continue with the selection and make sure I pass so my medical forms can be released. She also put down it was minor surgery and said I have nothing to worry about but I'm worrying about it. Please if anyone can give me advice or reassurance it would be grateful.

 

[Graculus]

I'm having the same kind of problem. I passed my 2 day selection to join the Army BUT there was a problem with my medical "I have 2 small screws in my lower leg" (not to hold nothing together because they can now be removed but my doctor said just to leave them in there). I've had them in my leg now for 9 years and no problems with them at all. Anyway I did my medical on day one and the doctor said at this time I can't join the Army until I've been deferred to a specialist. She told me to continue with the selection and make sure I pass so my medical forms can be released. She also put down it was minor surgery and said I have nothing to worry about but I'm worrying about it. Please if anyone can give me advice or reassurance it would be grateful.

They're looking after you, if the specialist decides that it would be preferable to remove the screws then I guess they'll go for that. It is minor surgery and it doesn't hurt, honest.

Keep your head up, don't worry, whatever happens you have feck loads of options - the services aren't the be all and end all.

 

[theoriginalphantom]

check out jsp 950 - its on this site, so use the search function

basically you have internal fixation so must be referred to a specialist for proof that all is ok. It's nothing to worry about.

 

[MGArmy]

Thanks for the reply. I just hope all goes ok because I'm 32 now so I'm almost age capped.

 

[sup rec]

Thanks for the reply. I just hope all goes ok because I'm 32 now so I'm almost age capped.

Not for the reserves you're not.

 

[Lcjhs1]

Good afternoon lady’s/gents

I’m having the same problems, plate in my ankle dated back to 2009, was supposed to be on my AC on 9th of this month, but I’ve been withdrawn due to the ankle break. So I’m going to appeal against it as I’ve fit, healthy, and still playing football since then.

What do they need from my GP. NRC said they only need my records to see how everything went etc.
Do I mean anything off my GP ** ie A letter if I’m fit enough etc.

Thanks for the help appreciate it