Australian defence force

[Str|dAst]

Hi everyone, I passed my Assessment Day yesterday to get into the Royal Australian Navy.

The only thing holding my application back is my med class which right now is 3.

The reason for it is, I need to have my back examined for scoliosis.

Can anyone please please tell me what the exclusions are for COBB angles in the ADF? and any other exclusions that may apply.

 

[Twickiwi]

Hi everyone, I passed my Assessment Day yesterday to get into the Royal Australian Navy.

The only thing holding my application back is my med class which right now is 3.

The reason for it is, I need to have my back examined for scoliosis.

Can anyone please please tell me what the exclusions are for COBB angles in the ADF? and any other exclusions that may apply.

Do you know whether your scoliosis is structural or functional? If its functional, you needn't worry too much about Cobb angles as it will be amenable to osteopathic manual therapy, manipulative physiotherapy or chiropratic (if you must). If you have a structural scoliosis you'll want to know why (disc degeneration, hemi-vertebrae, congenital fusion). Scoliosis is a description rather than a diagnosis.

 

[Str|dAst]

Do you know whether your scoliosis is structural or functional? If its functional, you needn't worry too much about Cobb angles as it will be amenable to osteopathic manual therapy, manipulative physiotherapy or chiropratic (if you must). If you have a structural scoliosis you'll want to know why (disc degeneration, hemi-vertebrae, congenital fusion). Scoliosis is a description rather than a diagnosis.

Thanks for the reply. Here is what my report says:

Clinical Indications: Asymptomatic curvature of spine.

Thoracolumbar Spine:
The main convexity is the lumbar spine, and to the left centred on L4, with a CoBB angles of 15 degrees. The lateral thoracic and lumber alignments are normal. The vertebral bodies and disc spaces are normal in appearance. There is no osseous lesion at any level.

Any thoughts? I really appreciate your assistant.

How do you know or were able to find out about any of this, I can find it anywhere?

 

[Twickiwi]

Thanks for the reply. Here is what my report says:

Clinical Indications: Asymptomatic curvature of spine.

Thoracolumbar Spine:
The main convexity is the lumbar spine, and to the left centred on L4, with a CoBB angles of 15 degrees. The lateral thoracic and lumber alignments are normal. The vertebral bodies and disc spaces are normal in appearance. There is no osseous lesion at any level.

Any thoughts? I really appreciate your assistant.

How do you know or were able to find out about any of this, I can find it anywhere?

I'm in the final year of a degree in osteopathy so this stuff ain't common knowledge.

"Cobb's angle is found by measuring the angle of the two intersecting perpendicular lines. If the Cobb's angle for your scoliosis is 15 degrees or less, it's likely that all you will need are regular check-ups to see if the curve is progressing. If it is between 20 and 40 degrees, you will probably need a back brace. If it is over 40, your doctor will likely recommend surgery."
Cobbs Angle in Scoliosis - What Does the Scoliosis Term Cobbs Angle Mean

From reading your diagnostic description, it sounds like a functional scoliosis (your bones haven't changed shape) and not a particularly severe one. You need to get yourself to a good Australian osteopath (some of the best trained in the world), and he can check you out for any problems and more importantly reassure you that you're not a freak.