Medical: Hyper-extension...

[Ninjabreadman]

Hi all,

I broke my elbow back when I was younger, it's never caused any grief at all, it was never operated on and healed itself. I took part in my medical test yesterday passed all tests however... I have a slight hyper-extension of the left elbow so I'm now waiting for my GP to get back to the AFCO with a full written report whether I'm fit for service.

I've gone and found the documentation that is used during this process (JSP 346 Chapter 3, Leaflet 3-12: Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders) Just a few things that I'm not sure about and would greatly appreciate any help or feedback.

Under the paragraph Elbow 3.12.20 It states

Candidates with less that 15 Degrees loss of extension (Some degree of loss of full extension of the eblow (Up to 15 degrees) without significant loss of function is not uncommon in the young active general population (DCA Orthopaedics opinion) and, or felxion (usually following injury) with normal pronation and supination and able to hold an extended (More than 20 seconds) press-up position symptom-free may be graded U2. Those with greater loss are usually graded U8 although referral may be indicated. Candidates who have lost more than 20 degrees of either pronation or supination are graded U8. Varus or Valgus angulation need be no bar to entry provided that normal function can be demonstrated

So.. I have a HYPEREXTENSION meaning that my elbow goes a little further... there is no LOSS OF EXTENSION at all... I was also able to hold a press up position for over 20 seconds.

I work in a school and have just been to the Maths department who have measured my elbow and it's at a 13 degree angle.

All being well I shouldn't need to but worse case scenario am and I'm deemed not fit for service is there a way I can appeal? Has anyone had to appeal before? Or even been in the same situation as I'm in now?

I've been told to wait 8 weeks while the decision is being made, just trying to put my mind at rest as much as I can.

Cheers.

 

[ninjarabbi]

NJB - Have the AFCO advised you to write into the Department of Occupational Medicine as an enquirer? That's the more usual route than having your GP write to them since they don't make a decision as to your fitness.

 

[Ninjabreadman]

NJB - Have the AFCO advised you to write into the Department of Occupational Medicine as an enquirer? That's the more usual route than having your GP write to them since they don't make a decision as to your fitness.

No, when I was at my medical I was given a letter with a form on the back to hand to my GP. And was told they will then pass information on where the decision will be made whether I'm fit for service.

I broke it back when I was 12 though so my only worry really is are they making the judgment of my fitness on my 12 year old elbow?

 

[Downsizer]

You need to wait for the DOM to make the decision. If it is negative you then have a right of appeal if you have significant info that was unavailable to them.