Can a soldier who just had PCL/ACL knee surgery be deployed?

Nadia Muraca — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 22:53:50 -0400

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2021 11:10 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 23:10:47 -0400

If they just had the surgery, I doubt they would be cleared, medically, by SRP. It's possible they could be deployed to catch up to the unit after recovery and clearance from SRP.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2021 12:05 AM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 00:05:49 -0400

Depends on what you mean by "just had." If it was a year ago, probably. If it was a month ago, highly doubtful. SRP and MEDPROS would put them in Class IV, with would make them Red (undeployable) in MEDPROS. But this can also be overridden by the Commander, so it largely depends on unit, Command, and timeline.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2021 12:25 AM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 00:25:08 -0400

Depends on there profile

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Aug 25 at 2021 12:50 AM

SGM Bill Frazer — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 00:50:22 -0400

Depends on their profile and Doctor/CO. If deployed would they be out in the boonies, damn doubtful, but in a semi-civilized area they could be CQ/radio watch, etc, while sitting down all shift.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2021 1:44 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 01:44:16 -0400

If they are fully healed and can do their job within their permanent profile limitations, then yes.

I broke the top of my tibia 3 years ago, have pins and plate in my shin but can still pass the. ACFT with bike instead of running. I am deployable

Response by CPL Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 25 at 2021 3:22 AM

CPL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 03:22:19 -0400

From what I understand, a surgery like that can mean med board, so if they're trying to keep you, they'll probably make you ride the bench for awhile.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Aug 25 at 2021 3:13 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 15:13:25 -0400

Nadia Muraca Yes, No, it depends...

If the commander feels there a need for this SM at the deployment area.... Then maybe.
You used "Just" is that Just a day ago? Just a week ago? Just a month ago? Just several months ago? ...It depends
Is the deployment location and available health care sufficient for the SM at their current place in the healing process? If no, then no.

I deployed to a combat zone with a cast on my foot..that I took off once in country.
I deployed to a combat zone with fractured hand in a cast...I took off once in country.
I had a 100% tear of the quadricep from the knee Jun 17, surgical repair Jun 18, Staples out 2 weeks later. Released from PT with 75% strength and 90% mobility returned to pre injury levels just 3 months later. I could have deployed as soon as the wound healed and staples were out..
There are many tasks to be performed that can be done by an SM recovering from an injury (injury repair) That recovering SM doing those tasks means another fully qualified SM does not have to and can be tasked to other more strenuous duties.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Aug 25 at 2021 4:37 PM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 16:37:12 -0400

Are they healed? Are they still on light duty or have they been cleared post surgery? There is generally a process to post surgery care to clear folks to full duty.

Response by SGT Jonathan Persons made Aug 26 at 2021 2:30 PM

SGT Jonathan Persons — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 14:30:35 -0400

You would have to talk to the doctor who did the surgery and ask about any limitations that they have set on physical activity.

I had a scope done of my knee and the doctor required me to be in a CPM machine for several hours a day to ensure that I kept moving my leg. That would have made me ineligible for a deployment.

Response by GySgt Charles O'Connell made Aug 27 at 2021 2:59 PM

GySgt Charles O'Connell — Fri, 27 Aug 2021 14:59:59 -0400

Depends on your definition of "just had". Was is yesterday, a couple of weeks ago, months ago, have they gone through recuperation and rehabilitation and been cleared by Medical? Is their role within the unit such that they fulfill that role, or another, in a "light duty status"?