Question
One of our evaluating physicians informed me that an organization involved in the disability evaluation field has indicated that osteochondral lesions of the knee qualify for a 5% to 9% whole person impairment, depending on the size of the lesion. Is this the case? Are osteochondral lesions ratable under Table 17-33, Impairment Estimates for Certain Lower Extremity Impairments?
Answer
The last sentence of text pertaining to diagnosis-based estimates, on page 549 just before Example 17-15, states “a diagnosis of full thickness chondral defect or ununited osteochondral fracture requires arthroscopic or surgical confirmation” (5th ed, 549). The Committee for the Lower Extremities had proposed changes to Table 17-33, Impairment Estimates for Certain Lower Extremity Impairments (5th ed, 546-547), that would have resulted in ratable impairment. The impairment for a full thickness defect with a normal cartilage interval would...
