A comparison of injury impairment scale scores and physician's estimates of impairment following injury to the head, abdomen and lower limbs.

Clinicians' estimates of expected impairment resulting from 7502 single injuries to head, abdomen and lower limb have been compared with corresponding Injury Impairment Scale scores. 33.4% were expected to make full recovery, 62.4% to have a temporary impairment and 4.2% a permanent impairment.IIS scores were 0 (40.1%), 1 (46.9%), 2 (8.5%) and more than 2 (4.5%). There were strong correlations between physicians' estimates of impairment severity and IIS globally, for specific injuries and for age 25-40. These results do not validate the IIS but do suggest that it will have credibility with practicing trauma clinicians. (A)