Question: I am using the AMA Guides Sixth Edition to rate a 32-year-old man who sustained a significant injury to foot and toes, including a comminuted first metatarsal fracture (with a subsequent first metatarsophalangeal joint fusion), non-displaced second metatarsal fracture, non-displaced phalangeal fractures of third and fourth toes, and a displaced comminuted phalangeal fracture of fifth toe. At maximal medical improvement (MMI) he complains of residual left forefoot discomfort. Examination revealed fusion of the first metatarsophalangeal joint with no active movement of the first interphalangeal joint, and minimal motion of second through fifth toe joints.
What diagnosis or diagnoses should be used to rate the impairment? I am aware that in Section16.2a, Diagnosis-Based Class Assignments states, “If more than 1 diagnosis in a region (ie, hip, knee and/or foot/ankle) can be used, the 1 that provides the most...
