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Abstract
A request for an impairment rating using both the fourth and sixth editions of the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (AMA Guides) demonstrated two interesting facts: In the sixth edition, Table 15-34, Shoulder Range of Motion has two typographical errors. First, Grade Modifier 3 (column 6) and the Internal Rotation (IR) (row 12) lists ≤20° ER = 8% UEI; this should be ≥20° ER = 8% UEI; and Grade Modifier 4 (column 7) and IR (row 12) lists: 20° to 50° IR = 6% UEI, ≥60° IR or 10° IR to ER = 0% UEI; this should be ≥60° IR or 10° IR to ER = 10% UEI. Second, the impairment rating using the fourth and sixth editions resulted in the same total impairment. A case example presents a 54-year-old male who experienced a right shoulder strain that was determined to be a right shoulder rotator cuff tear of the supraspinatus and infraspinatus muscles. The patient was evaluated for impairment based on the range-of-motion method in the fourth edition of the AMA Guides, and 13% upper extremity impairment was determined. Using the sixth edition produced similar results, demonstrating how similar impairment ratings can be based on the fourth and sixth editions.
Contributor Notes
Authoritative articles reflect an official AMA interpretation, application or clarification. They are approved by the AMA Guides Editorial Panel and represent authoritative guidance on how to apply the AMA Guides but are not considered an official revision to the AMA Guides.
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