Disorders of the colon and rectum may be associated with permanent impairment. Criteria for the impairment have been published by the American Medical Association (AMA).
Parameters:
(1) signs and symptoms
(2) restriction on activities and constitutional findings
(3) therapy
Signs and symptoms:
(1) history of previous colonic surgery
(2) gastrointestinal bleeding
(3) stool frequency
(4) nocturnal incontinence
(5) abdominal pain
(6) weight loss
(7) limited activity
(8) abdominal masses
Signs and Symptoms |
Restrictions and Constitutional Findings |
Therapy |
Impairment Whole Person |
infrequent and brief |
no limits on activities; no systemic findings; no weight loss |
no special diet or medication required; no sequelae after surgical procedures |
0 - 9% |
mild with occasional disturbances of bowel function; moderate pain |
no weight loss |
minimal dietary restriction; mild symptomatic therapy may be needed |
10 – 24% |
moderate to severe exacerbations; periodic or continual pain |
restriction in activities; constitutional findings (fever, anemia, weight loss) |
special diet and drugs required during attacks |
25 – 49% |
persistent; severe persistent pain; no prolonged remissions |
restriction in activities; constitutional findings (fever, anemia, weight loss) |
restriction in diet and medications do not entirely control symptoms |
50 – 75% |
Specialty: Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, Gastroenterology