Chances after ORIF surgery of the Rt. Hand

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Glendjust14

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Feb 17, 2018
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My son just reveived his application packet from USNA that he is an official candidate. He had an injury of his (Rt.)dominant hand and had surgery with 1 screw in the 5th digit metacarpal (hand). The doctor said, the screw is permanent. He is doing well after surgery. What is his chances? Is he gonna be disqualified because of the screw?. Anyone with this experience or any advice? Actually, I’ve read the medical diaqualification in the musculoskeletal area that screw in the body can be waive until the screw can be removed but in his case the doctor said its permanent. My son is not aware of this yet. I dont want him to be upset, its only 4 days after his surgery. We dont want to do all this long process if he’s gonna be disqualified anyway. Please help.
 
BGO's are not supposed to get involved in DODMERB/Medical issues, so I have limited first hand knowledge ... however, like most things medicals, the answer is probably "It depends.." While there are black and white , non-waiverable conditions, many conditions (like orthopedic issues) are waiverable, but waivers can be very fact specific (nature of injury, treatment, recovery, etc).. USNA Admissions has a medical liaison, I would recommend calling them to discuss the issue.
 
Retained hardware should be waiverable if it gets DQ'ed at the DODMERB level. Hopefully, the DODMERB reviewers will qualify at their level so it doesn't have to go to a waiver authority for review.

The orthopedic surgeon needs to document that your DS has been released from care, returned to full activity without limitations, no tenderness of joint, full ROM, no pain with change in ambient temperature, fracture is well-healed, and ligaments are stable. The screw should not traverse the joint either. That 5th metacarpal has 2 joints - one joint with the little finger and the other with the wrist.

If your DS gets the DODMERB physical exam while he's healing, then the DODMERB physician may DQ him. It's moot at this point anyway because the DODMERB exam is further down the road.

I'd wait until he's released to full activity by the orthopedic surgeon before scheduling the DODMERB exam.
 
Thank you so much for the reply. He is actually doing good. He is driving now with full range of motion on that hand except for a mild pain which is normal after 5th post operative day. He is looking forward to go back to sports after full recovery and preparing himself to be ready for CFA.
 
THParent said:
Old Navy BGO said:
...so I have limited first hand knowledge ...
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:D
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GoCubbies said:
Retained hardware should be waiverable if it gets DQ'ed at the DODMERB level. Hopefully, the DODMERB reviewers will qualify at their level so it doesn't have to go to a waiver authority for review.

The orthopedic surgeon needs to document that your DS has been released from care, returned to full activity without limitations, no tenderness of joint, full ROM, no pain with change in ambient temperature, fracture is well-healed, and ligaments are stable. The screw should not traverse the joint either. That 5th metacarpal has 2 joints - one joint with the little finger and the other with the wrist.

If your DS gets the DODMERB physical exam while he's healing, then the DODMERB physician may DQ him. It's moot at this point anyway because the DODMERB exam is further down the road.

I'd wait until he's released to full activity by the orthopedic surgeon before scheduling the DODMERB exam.
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My DS just finished his DoDMERB exam. The physician who saw him said he is cleared after examining his hand and reading his clearance from orthopedic doctor. He said, he should be good and if the DoDMERB will give him a problem, to give him a call. He said, my DS doesn’t need any other paperwork, the clearance from orthopedic doctor is enough. I’ve read, that the result will take 10 days to reach the DoDMERB. Is that possible that even though the physician cleared my DS, the DoDMERB with still DQ him or will ask for more paperwork? Thanks.
 
KEEP ALL PAPERWORK! I can only speak from my experience with DS. He had a similar injury but with his wrist. He has retaineed hardware. A plate and several screws. His exam want fine. DoDMERB requested paperwork from ortho surgeon which we sent. Qualification was granted shortly after so he did not have to go through the waiver process. He is now a firstie on track to go naval aviation. He has also passed all physical prequalification for that service selection as well. Good luck to you and your soon!
 
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