Major Leg Surgery
#1
Major Leg Surgery
Hi guys, I'm new to this forum so sorry if I've done something wrong here. I'm looking at starting my CPL soon but am wondering if I might run into some trouble with my class 1 medical.
When I was 12, I broke right my leg on a park bench, causing my right leg to stop growing. Now I have a leg length discrepancy of around 3 inches. If I was to do leg lengthening to make my legs equal length, would that by any chance prevent me from obtaining my medical? I can already make my legs equal length with shoe lifts but it's not ideal.
Thanks for your help,
****
When I was 12, I broke right my leg on a park bench, causing my right leg to stop growing. Now I have a leg length discrepancy of around 3 inches. If I was to do leg lengthening to make my legs equal length, would that by any chance prevent me from obtaining my medical? I can already make my legs equal length with shoe lifts but it's not ideal.
Thanks for your help,
****
Last edited by rickair7777; 05-19-2021 at 09:49 AM. Reason: Name removed per member request
#2
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2015
Posts: 332
Hi guys, I'm new to this forum so sorry if I've done something wrong here. I'm looking at starting my CPL soon but am wondering if I might run into some trouble with my class 1 medical.
When I was 12, I broke right my leg on a park bench, causing my right leg to stop growing. Now I have a leg length discrepancy of around 3 inches. If I was to do leg lengthening to make my legs equal length, would that by any chance prevent me from obtaining my medical? I can already make my legs equal length with shoe lifts but it's not ideal.
Thanks for your help,
****
When I was 12, I broke right my leg on a park bench, causing my right leg to stop growing. Now I have a leg length discrepancy of around 3 inches. If I was to do leg lengthening to make my legs equal length, would that by any chance prevent me from obtaining my medical? I can already make my legs equal length with shoe lifts but it's not ideal.
Thanks for your help,
****
I don't see an issue. Worst case, you may need a Statement of Demonstrated Ability (SODA) to prove no limitations. I would consult AOPA medical or an AME though. Forum advice is worth what you pay for it.
Good luck!
Last edited by rickair7777; 05-19-2021 at 09:49 AM. Reason: Name removed per member request
#4
It's actually not that much of a problem, as long as you get a decent result. They'll even give you a SODA for amputations, if they don't interfere with your ability to fly safely.
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org...ch/item42/amd/
https://www.faa.gov/about/office_org...ch/item42/amd/
#7
https://www.aopa.org/go-fly/medical-...tal-conditions
In fact, with a good result from surgery your AME will almost certainly just annotate the surgical scars in your physical and issue his/herself, without even the need for a SODA. The discharge summary from your surgery and your last PT report showing range of motion prior to discharge from treatment will save the AME a lot of effort though and grease the whole thing from the Federal Air Surgeon's point of view.
I mean really, the reason you are having the surgery is that you have an impediment that you are CORRECTING. If they are letting you fly now, do you seriously think they will ground you after you are IMPROVED?
Get the second opinion, sure, but don't lose any sleep worrying about it before you do talk to them. Make sure you have a competent orthopedic surgeon who has done a reasonable number of lengthening procedures and then press on.
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