ACL reconstruction & CASA avmed

[MarvinMartian]

Hi Australian Pruners

Just wondering if anyone out there has gone through an ACL reconstruction and of so, how difficult it was getting a Class 1 medical back. I'm contemplating the surgery myself but the time spent off work is obviously an issue that requires careful consideration.

I plan on talking to my DAME but would really value hearing from anyone out there who's been there & done that.

MM

[27/09]

Don't know about Oz but I had one done years ago. No medical issues in NZ. It's a fairly common procedure.

[Kenny]

Had it done about 5 years ago. No issues getting my medical renewed and the only difference was a report from my DAME.

I had a hamstring graft, rather than a synthetic graft, so the recovery was a little bit longer. However the Endone makes things far easier to deal with.

[Squawk7700]

Originally Posted by Kenny

However the Endone makes things far easier to deal with.

I had to be careful when taking Endones at bed time - if my phone was nearby, I would end up make random eBay purchases!

[josephfeatherweight]

I'm contemplating the surgery myself

Whilst you'll save a buck in the short term, take it from me, get a doctor (preferably a surgeon) to give it a shot first. Sure, once you've seen it done, you'll more than likely feel confident to tackle the next one! My two cents...
Good luck!

[thunderbird five]

Pfftt. MacGyver could do it with nothing more than a chicken wing, a box cutter and a few paper clips. Where's your sense of adventure.

[Squawk7700]

I had a shoulder arthroscope (not a patch on an ACL) and Avmed took well over a month to approve my medical. Every time I rang they said that it was "with the doctor and the doctors usually work from home, so we can't find out the status easily."

[Capt Fathom]

Why would Avmed get involved?

I've had several arthroscopic and surgical repairs to joints, which have grounded me for several months at a time!

Under CASR 67.265, you are required to notify CASA or DAME of any medical condition that stops you flying for more than 7 days.

My DAME monitored my recovery, and issued a Medical Certificate. At no stage did Avmed become involved in the process!

[josephfeatherweight]

Does the DAME not have a further requirement to report this to AVMED?
Genuine question.

[Squawk7700]

My DAME monitored my recovery, and issued a Medical Certificate. At no stage did Avmed become involved in the process!

When the DAME fills out the online form at renewal time, it is not automatically renewed, but rather reviewed and renewed eventually by the CASA Doctor. You get a renewal which allows you to fly for 30? days at the time from the DAME, but this is not full clearance on your medical at that time.