Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2023C00151:reg:54:p32
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2023C00151
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 54 (pt 32/36)
Character Range: 172056–176033

quarter of the normal range of movement.

The loss of range of movement will usually be provided as a fractional loss of range of movement and such data can be used directly in Table 3.3.1. However, sometimes, the measured movements of the affected part of the spine will be available in degrees. In such a case the measured movement is to be compared with the average range of movement of the normal spine to obtain the fractional loss of range of movement.

The average ranges of movement of the normal spine may be obtained from Table 3.5.1 in Part 3.5. These values are to be used in arriving at the fractional loss of range of movement when the actual movements of the spine are known in degrees.

If a functional impairment rating obtained from Table 3.3.1 has been contributed to by any non-accepted conditions, then that rating is to be moderated by applying Chapter 19 (Partially Contributing Impairment).

Step 2: (Omit this step if you are not assessing an impairment of the thoraco-lumbar spine.) Determine the impairment rating applicable to the thoraco-lumbar spine by applying Table 3.3.2.

Table 3.3.2 is to be applied to assess functional loss of the thoraco-lumbar spine that is not adequately measured by loss of range of movement.  Ratings obtained from Table 3.3.2 are not to be combined with any ratings obtained from Table 3.3.1 in respect of the thoraco-lumbar spine. Ratings obtained from Table 3.3.2 are compared with ratings obtained from Table 3.3.1 in respect of the thoraco-lumbar spine in Step 3.

If a functional impairment rating obtained from Table 3.3.2 has been contributed to by any non-accepted conditions, then that rating is to be moderated by applying Chapter 19 (Partially Contributing Impairment).

Functional Loss Table 3.3.1
LOSS OF MUSCULOSKELETAL FUNCTION: SPINAL MOVEMENT
Impairment Ratings                                 Criteria
                                                   Cervical spine                                                                                                                       Thoraco-lumbar spine
NIL                                                X-ray changes only. Normal or nearly normal range of movement.                                                                       X-ray changes only. Normal or nearly normal range of movement.
FIVE                                               Loss of about one-quarter of normal range of movement.
TEN                                                Loss of about half of normal range of movement                                                                                       Loss of about one-quarter normal range of movement.
FIFTEEN                                            Loss of about three-quarters of normal range of movement.
TWENTY                                             Loss of almost all movement, or complete ankylosis in position of function                                                           Loss of about half of normal range of movement.
THIRTY                                             Ankylosis in an unfavourable position.                                                                                               Loss of about three-quarters of normal range of movement.
FORTY                                                                                                                                                                                   Loss of almost all movement, or complete ankylosis in position of function.
FIFTY                                                                                                                                                                                   Ankylosis in an unfavourable position, or unstable joint.
                                                   Where applicable, two ratings are to be selected from this table — one for the cervical spine and one for the thoraco-lumbar spine.

Ratings from this table