Question: My rating question pertains to the use of the Fifth Edition and whether to include grip strength in the rating. The patient had a left radial head fracture and underwent a radial head prosthetic replacement. In addition, she had a left shoulder injury with residual limitation of motion. At maximum medical improvement, she complained of limitations of motion and weakness. Examination revealed a patient who was cooperative, without any evidence of symptom magnification behavior. Her shoulder had mild deficits of motion and strength, and her elbow had slightly reduced extension. Grip strength, as measured by dynamometer, in the second position, with the elbow adducted to the side and the elbow flexed 90 degrees, with the wrist in neutral, was significantly decreased on the left as compared to the right. Repetitive grip strength measurements done alternately show a...
