Autumn conscription into the army - 2021: a complete list of diseases with which you cannot serve

Reactive arthritis is a disease that clearly shows how strongly everything in the body is interconnected. Inflammation develops in the joint, and upon examination it turns out that there is no infection in it - pathogenic microorganisms have settled in another organ, for example, in the intestines or genitourinary system. They managed to cause arthritis from a distance. How? Let's talk about everything in order.

Our expert in this field:

Akhov Andemir Olegovich

Traumatologist-orthopedist, oncologist. Member of the Russian Society of Clinical Oncology RUSSCO

Call the doctor Reviews about the doctor

Reactive arthritis in facts and figures:

• Most often, inflammation develops in the knee, ankle and foot joints
• Symptoms of reactive arthritis often do not last long and may go away on their own without treatment. But sometimes the disease is serious and can become chronic.
• In most patients, symptoms last no more than 12 months
• Men aged 20–50 years are most often affected
• Reactive arthritis is often called Reiter's syndrome, but in fact it is just one of its varieties.
• The disease is also often confused with infectious arthritis. Infectious arthritis differs from reactive arthritis in that there is an infection in the joint.

Where to contact? How is rheumatoid arthritis diagnosed?

If you are experiencing pain, discomfort, stiffness and swelling of the joints, you need to consult a rheumatologist. If rheumatoid arthritis is suspected, after a conversation and examination, the doctor will prescribe an examination for you, which may include:

• general, biochemical, immunological blood tests;
• radiography of the joint;
• joint puncture followed by examination of intra-articular fluid, biopsy of the synovial membrane;
• Ultrasound, CT, MRI of the joint.

Why does reactive arthritis occur?

Most often, the culprits are bacteria that cause an infection of the intestines and genitourinary system. The infectious process provokes an inflammatory reaction in the joint, although the microorganisms themselves do not penetrate into it. Moreover, the symptoms of the underlying disease can be so weak that the sick person does not even notice them - joint disorders come to the fore.

Why does inflammation occur in the joint? The main reason is the distortion, perversion of the body’s defense mechanisms. The most common pathogens: chlamydia, salmonella, shigella, yersinia, campylobacter. In relation to the joint itself, reactive arthritis is not an infectious disease. They cannot become infected. But you can get an underlying infection.

Why does rheumatoid arthritis occur? What happens in the joints?

With rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system begins to work incorrectly and attacks the synovial membrane that lines the inside of the joint cavity. Inflammation develops, the synovial membrane thickens, and over time the articular cartilage and underlying bones are destroyed. Tendons and ligaments stretch and become weak.

What causes the immune system to show such aggression towards the joints (and, by the way, not only to them: with rheumatoid arthritis, the skin, lungs, eyes, heart, blood vessels can be affected)? Doctors and scientists cannot yet answer this question. It is believed that an immune reaction can be provoked by some bacteria and viruses (Epstein-Barr virus, streptococci, mycoplasmas), and genetic factors.

There are some known conditions that increase the risk of developing the disease:

• female gender and age 40–60 years;
• presence of close relatives who have been diagnosed with the disease;
• smoking especially increases the risks in genetically predisposed people; rheumatoid arthritis is more severe in smokers;
• inhalation of certain types of dust: for example, it was observed that American rescue workers who worked at the destroyed World Trade Center and inhaled asbestos dust were subsequently more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases.

Despite the fact that the causes of rheumatoid arthritis are poorly understood, today there are effective treatments, and the disease can be kept under control.

Modern diagnostic methods

Not all doctors can quickly and accurately diagnose reactive arthritis. This is best done by rheumatologists who specialize in joint diseases. The diagnosis can be established after collecting anamnesis and examination. Additionally, the doctor will prescribe blood tests, joint puncture and examination of joint fluid, and x-rays.

Take care of yourself, book a consultation now

Message sent!

expect a call, we will contact you shortly

About arthrosis

Arthrosis is the destruction of the cartilage tissue of the joint. In the later stages, the periarticular bursa, capsule, ligaments and muscles are deformed. Unprotected bones come into contact, movements become limited, and pain appears. Over time, the joint becomes immobile. Medicines, procedures, physical therapy significantly alleviate the patient’s condition. The cause of the disease is considered to be prolonged stress, injury or congenital characteristics. In case of chronic arthrosis, excessive physical activity, which is part of military life, is contraindicated.

Arthrosis and the army

The draft commission is guided by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation N 565 “On approval of the Regulations on military medical examination” dated July 4, 2013. The decision to draft young men with joint diseases is made in accordance with Article 65 of the schedule of diseases. The indicator of the volume of joint mobility is determined in degrees and is also assessed according to table No.4.

• “B” - young men who have a slight defect in the articular surface are considered fit with restrictions.
• “B” - they will be sent to the reserve with a diagnosis of deforming arthrosis with pain syndrome (joint space width 2–4 mm).
• “D” - unconditionally released from service with deforming arthrosis,
• which is accompanied by exacerbations (at least 2 times a year), with deformation of the limb axis of 6 degrees or more and destroyed articular cartilage (the width of the joint space is not more than 2 mm).

Documents for the draft commission

It is better to prepare a package of documents in advance. You can contact a public medical institution or a private licensed clinic. The doctor will prescribe examinations: x-rays, ultrasound of the joint, MRI, arthroscopy, general blood test. The results of the research, an extract from the medical history with a confirmed diagnosis, as well as an outpatient card with recorded relapses of the disease must be submitted to the military registration and enlistment office.

If during a medical examination doctors ignore complaints or indicate a higher category, the conscript has the right to appeal to higher authorities or to court (Federal Law “On Military Duty and Military Service”, paragraph 7, Article 28). It is important to fill out the application correctly, prepare the relevant documents or copies thereof (decision of the draft commission). The appeal is suspended from the moment the appeal is made to the court until a new decision is made. Without knowing all the nuances of the process, it is difficult to win a case. A lawyer can represent the interests of the plaintiff. To do this, you need to conclude an agreement. You can sign up for a free consultation with specialized lawyers in Perm by calling: +7(342)-234-19-18

Treatment of reactive arthritis

The bacterial infection that causes reactive arthritis is treated with antibiotics. At the same time, they fight the inflammatory process in the joint:

1. In an acute process, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs: diclofenac, indomethacin, naproxen) help cope with inflammation and pain. Sometimes glucocorticoid injections into the joint are prescribed.
2. For long-term, chronic disease, sulfasalazine and methotrexate are usually used.

The functioning of the affected joint is restored with the help of physical therapy and physiotherapy.

Sometimes reactive arthritis does not bother you for long and goes away on its own, and sometimes it leads to serious problems. If the first symptoms occur, you should immediately consult a doctor. Make an appointment with a rheumatologist at the Medical Center International Clinic Medica24 by phone

The material was prepared by oncologist, traumatologist-orthopedist of the international clinic Medica24 Andemir Olegovich Akhov.

About arthritis

Arthritis is joint damage caused by infections, injuries or metabolic disorders. The disease is manifested by inflammation of one or more joints (weakness, pain, redness of the affected area, fever). The disease can spread to the liver, kidneys, and heart. There are acute and chronic types of arthritis. Advanced disease leads to deformation and stiffness of the joints. According to the World Health Organization, arthritis accounts for up to 18% of disabilities. Young people are at risk. Predisposition to the disease is inherited; joint damage can be observed even in childhood.

Arthritis and the army

The draft commission is guided by Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation N 565 “On approval of the Regulations on military medical examination” dated July 4, 2013. The decision to draft young men with joint diseases is made in accordance with article 64 of the schedule of diseases. The amount of joint mobility is assessed according to table No.4.

• “A” - If reactive arthritis is diagnosed, but there is no dysfunction of the joints, and there have been no exacerbations over the last 5 years, the conscript will be sent to the army.
• “B” - young men with chronic arthritis and exacerbations once a year or less are considered fit with restrictions.
• “B” - will be sent to the reserve with a progressive disease and insufficient joint mobility. Also, conscripts whose disease is in its initial form will be examined under category “B”, and laboratory tests show an active stage of inflammation.
• “D” - patients with rheumatoid arthritis who have persistent impairment of joint mobility will be released from service without conditions.

Documents for the draft commission

Arthritis is a serious disease that is accompanied by exacerbations. Stressful life in the army will lead to a deterioration in the condition. Conscripts must prepare documents in advance. You must bring an outpatient card to the draft board, which must record all relapses, and provide research results (tests, arthroscopy, ultrasound, MRI, X-ray). You will also need an extract from the medical history, which indicates the diagnosis confirmed by the doctor. You can contact a public medical institution or a private licensed clinic. If it is determined that the cause of the illness is an infectious or viral disease, the category will be determined according to the main diagnosis.

It happens that a young man did not have time to collect documents or fell ill recently. In this case, you need to tell doctors about your health problems. If the commission unreasonably ignores the diagnosis, you need to file a complaint with a higher organization and file a claim in court.

What the official documents say

Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue in chronic and severe forms are included in the Schedule of Diseases - a document defining a list of pathologies in which a man cannot join the ranks of soldiers in the Russian army due to the upcoming increased physical activity.

Chapter 13 of the document describes the degree of impairment of functionality sufficient to classify a conscript as fit or unfit for military service. Arthritis and other joint diseases are discussed in article No. 64 of the Schedule.

In particular, it is indicated that arthritis and arthropathy of autoimmune and infectious origin give the right to classify a conscript as category “D” (the conscript receives a military ID and does not join the army), when:

• Due to pathology, persistent and well-defined changes are observed in the joint, seriously limiting its functionality;
• If disorders in the joint can be classified as moderate, but the disease progresses and gives frequent exacerbations (this must be confirmed by the results of examinations during the course of treatment).

Features of examination of conscripts

Conscripts provide documents about their health to the military registration and enlistment office, and a medical commission evaluates their well-being. The military registration and enlistment office does not make diagnoses (only in rare cases); they are confirmed on the basis of documents.

If a conscript has a disease that is incompatible with military service, he must collect all the certificates. They must prove serious impairments in the functioning of the body due to this disease. The chronic nature of the pathology is proven by constant visits to the local doctor, which are recorded in the outpatient card, regular courses of treatment in the hospital, and the prescription of medications. It is better to provide certified copies of medical documents to the military registration and enlistment office. The originals must be kept with you. If lost, it will be difficult to recover them.

Author:

Kirill Savchenko

Didn't understand the article and need help?

auto RU

The Military Medical Commission assigns a category of suitability for military service. If there is a serious illness or severe disabilities, they may be given an exemption from military service or a deferment of six months or a year for treatment and restoration of health. All illnesses that give the right to exemption and deferment are described in a special list - the Schedule of Illnesses. It is regularly updated and released in a new edition.

Chronic reactive arthritis is regulated by Article 64 of the Schedule of Diseases. The military medical commission draws conclusions about the characteristics of the pathology based on the conscript’s complaints and the documents provided. They should reflect the following information:

• diagnosis made by a specialist;
• exacerbations recorded in the outpatient chart over the past 5 years;
• documented deviations in the functioning of the joints;
• damage to other organs and systems due to the development of chronic reactive arthritis;
• the presence of complications on the spine that interfere with the performance of military duties.

Foot deformities

A young man who has severe foot deformities may not be accepted for military service. Which ones exactly are described in article No. 68 Schedules of illnesses. We are talking about flat feet, which led to significant impairment of the functionality of the joints and foot.

Category “D” will be assigned if the deformation of the feet as a result of a disease or injury to the leg is so severe that the conscript will not be able to wear special military-style shoes.

This happens when the foot:

• Flat-valgus;
• equinovarus;
• Horse;
• Heel;
• Varus;
• Hollow.

Category “B” is assigned to the following pathologies of bones and joints:

1. Flat feet (third degree longitudinal, third and fourth degree transverse), accompanied by persistent pain, contracture of the fingers and in the presence of arthrosis of the joints of the midfoot;
2. If, as a result of injury, all toes or an entire part of the foot are missing;
3. There are contractures on the toes of both feet;
4. As a result of a serious injury, the heel bones are deformed, the patient suffers from constant pain, and is also diagnosed with arthrosis of the subtalar joint (at the second or more stages).