Upper Extremity Impairment: Methodology Overview
Upper extremity impairment rating involves more than range of motion. This course walks through the full evaluation sequence: peripheral nerve disorders, CRPS, carpal tunnel, arthroplasty, bone and joint deformities, vascular disorders, and the combining rules that govern how multiple impairments in the same extremity add up.
What's in This Course
A foundational overview of the conditions that drive upper extremity impairment ratings beyond simple range of motion. The course covers the most common clinical presentations and the rules for combining them without double-counting.
- Amputation impairment: direct table assignment
- Peripheral nerve grading: sensory and motor deficits
- The no-double-counting rule for nerve and ROM impairment
- Carpal tunnel: timing rules and persistent findings
- CRPS Type I vs. Type II and how each is rated
- Bone and joint deformities, arthroplasty, vascular disorders
Who Should Take It
Physicians and other licensed providers who perform impairment ratings on upper extremity injuries: orthopedists, hand specialists, physiatrists, occupational medicine physicians, and chiropractors. The course works as a structured first pass for newer evaluators and as a checklist review for experienced ones. No prerequisites.
Questions About This Course
Is this course really free?
Yes. The course content is free. A free AAEME account is required to access it; account creation collects your professional credentials for certification tracking purposes and takes less than two minutes.
Does this course earn CME or CEU credit?
No. CME/CEU credit is not offered on Foundations courses. If you need formal continuing education credit, see our certification courses.
Does this course cover California workers' compensation?
No. This course covers AMA Guides upper extremity methodology that applies broadly. For the California-specific framework (Labor Code, ACOEM, apportionment under California law), take Upper Extremity Impairment: California Law.
Which edition of the AMA Guides does this course use?
The course covers AMA Guides upper extremity methodology. Edition specifics will be noted here once confirmed; the clinical principles covered apply broadly across editions.
What should I take after this course?
If you practice in California, take Upper Extremity Impairment: California Law next. For full certification preparation across all body systems, the 5th Edition Advanced course is the next step.