Will Knee Surgery Prevent me from Becoming a MARINE?

Question

2 years ago I broke my patella (knee cap) I had to have surgery and the surgeon tied it back in place with some type of nylon. I have fully recovered and rehabbed my knee. Does anyone know someone that has been able to enlist after something like this?

Answer 1

Well it will depend on a number of factors.  I had a young man a few years back who had split his kneecap in two and the surgeon put in two screws and used some nylon or wire to draw them back together.  While the manual says any orthopedic hardware is a disqualifier, a waiver was granted because the hardware in this case was put in to aid healing and was not required to keep his knee together...it served no current purpose.

Everything in this realm is looked upon as a case by case basis.  Request your medical records, go see a recruiter, your recruiter will submit them to meps for a pre screen,

I guess what I am saying is you have a shot.  Good Luck

Answer 2

I am not sure about the Marines, but the Army is letting me in. I also broke my patella (about 4.5 years ago). I have fully recovered and I run 5 miles a day.

Speak openly and directly with your recruiter, sometimes they can help you out with things like this.

Good Luck and thank you for serving my country.  

Answer 3

Military Medical Standards for Enlistment & Commission

Lower extremities

Answer 4

If it is not symptomatic (e.g. pain), it is stable, and the range of motion reaches zero degrees on extension and 110 degrees on flexion, it is not disqualifying. The source below is the medical standard.