The following table is provided as a guide only to the timeframe that should elapse between a medical event and the intended flight. The timeframes may be changed following considered medical assessment of a specific case (3,4):
Diagnosis | Assessment required by a doctor with aviation medicine experience | Accept as fit to fly if: | Comments |
Major hip, knee, or ankle surgery | If unable to mobilize with a walking aid and sit fully upright in the seat for take-off and landing | Consideration for DVT prophylaxis is very important. If no DVT prophylaxis, longer travel (>6 hrs) within the first 6 weeks should only be taken if essential | |
Arthroscopic joint surgery | If able to mobilize with a walking aid and sit fully upright in the seat for take-off and landing | ||
Full plaster cast (flight more than 2 hrs.) | Less than 48 hours after injury if the cast is not bivalved | >= 48hrs | Comply also with anaemia rules for # femur/pelvis i.e. HB 8.5 gm/dl |
For up to date advice then check current guidance (3,4).
Note that these are only guidelines and each airline has its own regulations and medical standards.
Reference:
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