Impairment rating

[GsKnee]

What is the typical impairment rating for a successful total knee replacement? Is there a difference from state to state and does an FCE assist in getting to the appropriate rating percentage?

Also, are the number of weeks different from state to state?

Thanks for any information!

Ginger in South Carolina

[Cycler]

Most states use one of three versions of the standard text on Impairment, some don't. each state has it's it's own rules on "weeks".

There is no typical rating as it is derived from the functional outcome of the surgery which is a combination of objective measurements of range of motion. alignment and laxity with subjective issues such as residual pain, walking ability etc.

[GsKnee]

Cycler Wrote:Most states use one of three versions of the standard text on Impairment, some don't. each state has it's it's own rules on "weeks".

There is no typical rating as it is derived from the functional outcome of the surgery which is a combination of objective measurements of range of motion. alignment and laxity with subjective issues such as residual pain, walking ability etc.

Cycler,
Thanks so much for your quick response, it explains why my endless searching has turned up nothing.

In passing, my surgeon mentioned a 25% impairment and then ordered an FCE. I thought 25% was pretty good but when I mentioned it to my attorney she showed no emotion which prompted me to do some searching on my own.

I have Arthrofibrosis which prevents my ROM from getting into a good range and I have difficulty sitting or standing for extended periods of time, I'm 7 months post op.

Thanks again for reading my post and for your information.

Ginger in South Carolina

[Bad Boy Bad Boy]

You mentioned (Arthrofibrosis), but you stated your injury was to the knee, and you had to have a TKR ( total knee replacement). (Arthrofibrosis) has not a thing, not one single thing to do with your work injury, unless Arthrofibrosis is part of your injury. But, you never said that.

I've seen TKR ratings go from 7% to 35%. It all depends on the doctor performing the rating. Your ROM and all the things Cycler stated to you. Plus the fact that the doctor is being very honest and not adding more %'s to the rating just to increase the rating percentage. Most likely, the Insurance will send you to an IME so they can have a doctor of their choice rate you. Most likely an IME rating will be lower then your treating doctor. Then come time to settle, in most cases, the rating issue between attorney's will be meet somewhere in the middle.

(EXAMPLE)
1.Your doctor states 40%
2.Their IME doctor states 20%
3.Meet in the middle 20%

Compensation for partial disability is determined by the Commission from medical reports, testimony of the parties, and the impact of the disability on the injured employee's livelihood.

(FCE) information see this Thread;

http://www.workerscompensation.com/forum...?tid=10715

[GsKnee]

Bad Boy Bad Boy Wrote:You mentioned (Arthrofibrosis), but you stated your injury was to the knee, and you had to have a TKR ( total knee replacement). (Arthrofibrosis) has not a thing, not one single thing to do with your work injury, unless Arthrofibrosis is part of your injury. But, you never said that.

I've seen TKR ratings go from 7% to 35%. It all depends on the doctor performing the rating. Your ROM and all the things Cycler stated to you. Plus the fact that the doctor is being very honest and not adding more %'s to the rating just to increase the rating percentage. Most likely, the Insurance will send you to an IME so they can have a doctor of their choice rate you. Most likely an IME rating will be lower then your treating doctor. Then come time to settle, in most cases, the rating issue between attorney's will be meet somewhere in the middle.

(EXAMPLE)
1.Your doctor states 40%
2.Their IME doctor states 20%
3.Meet in the middle 20%

Compensation for partial disability is determined by the Commission from medical reports, testimony of the parties, and the impact of the disability on the injured employee's livelihood.

(FCE) information see this Thread;

http://www.workerscompensation.com/forum...?tid=10715

Arthrofibrosis is scar tissue/adhesions due to the meniscus injury sustained at work as well as previous injuries to my knee and from the TKR surgery itself. It is related or so my surgeon states due to the fact that my ROM is actually worse post surgery. The MUA helped a bit but the scar tissue continues to be a problem.

My surgeon is the one the IC chose for me, I was lucky as this surgeon was my first choice to do my TKR as he and his partner are highly recommended in joint replacements. If the IC decides to send me for an IME, whatever happens, happens but I see no need for them to do so as my surgeon was their choice in the first place.

The rating will be what it will be and I do have faith that my surgeon will rate me fairly, I was simply curious, thus the reason for posting this thread.

Put a smile in your words, kindness is sometimes the best remedy!!!

Thanks for responding and have a fabulous day!

Ginger in South Carolina

[Bad Boy Bad Boy]

Okay, as I had not seen you mentioned that the Arthrofibrosis was in fact an issue with the injury. That was why I had asked that in the 2nd sentence. trust me, I hope you do get a good rating, and fair rating. One thing to know, even though the IC had choosen this surgeon, they still have options to send you to another IME doctor. The reason is simple, it is allowed, and also, much like you or me might want a 2nd medical opinion, so does the IC and almost always with them.

But, hey, you just never know, sometimes the IC will just want things over with, and jump right into settlement. Sometimes a good thing too. Remember we as injured workers are just a number to all these people. They never feel what we will feel, and on top of that, they don't care. They sleep well at night, when we don't sleep at all.

(((Put a smile in your words, kindness is sometimes the best remedy!!!)))
If everything was sugar coated, we as injured workers will not get far. We need the truth, we need the information straight up front. If we sat here and said all day to each other how sorry we are to each other, we will learn very little. I give straight forward answers, sorry about that. I had asked that of all me treating doctor's and surgeon also. I always told them, give it to me straight, and right up front. That way, I could just deal with it, when handed the information, search and learn about what is said, and then I will be able to know what questions I need to ask.

Here is a good article on Arthrofibrosis of the knee;
http://www.kneeguru.co.uk/KNEEnotes/node/1080

[inpainokla]

each case really is very different i was told alot of stuff about ratings..and after all was said and done i wasnt even sent to get a rated my case was settled with no rating and a generous offer from the insurance comp of 35% as a rating so u cant really go off of any type of formula bc you never know what the other sides thinking really

[GsKnee]

Bad Boy Bad Boy Wrote:Okay, as I had not seen you mentioned that the Arthrofibrosis was in fact an issue with the injury. That was why I had asked that in the 2nd sentence. trust me, I hope you do get a good rating, and fair rating. One thing to know, even though the IC had choosen this surgeon, they still have options to send you to another IME doctor. The reason is simple, it is allowed, and also, much like you or me might want a 2nd medical opinion, so does the IC and almost always with them.

But, hey, you just never know, sometimes the IC will just want things over with, and jump right into settlement. Sometimes a good thing too. Remember we as injured workers are just a number to all these people. They never feel what we will feel, and on top of that, they don't care. They sleep well at night, when we don't sleep at all.

(((Put a smile in your words, kindness is sometimes the best remedy!!!)))
If everything was sugar coated, we as injured workers will not get far. We need the truth, we need the information straight up front. If we sat here and said all day to each other how sorry we are to each other, we will learn very little. I give straight forward answers, sorry about that. I had asked that of all me treating doctor's and surgeon also. I always told them, give it to me straight, and right up front. That way, I could just deal with it, when handed the information, search and learn about what is said, and then I will be able to know what questions I need to ask.

Here is a good article on Arthrofibrosis of the knee;
http://www.kneeguru.co.uk/KNEEnotes/node/1080

I totally agree with you concerning the facts and being straight forward with the truth, I'm also a firm believer in the proper presentation of the truth.

When one can totally "rip a new one" for another and that person is left standing with a complete smile....a proper presentation has been mastered.

Again, thank you for sharing helpful information with me!

Ginger in South Carolina

[GsKnee]

inpainokla Wrote:each case really is very different i was told alot of stuff about ratings..and after all was said and done i wasnt even sent to get a rated my case was settled with no rating and a generous offer from the insurance comp of 35% as a rating so u cant really go off of any type of formula bc you never know what the other sides thinking really

You make a very good point and I'm very happy that things worked as they did for you!

Take care and thanks for sharing your information with me!

Ginger in South Carolina