Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L01332:reg:81:p2
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L01332
Segment Type: reg
Provision Reference: reg 81 (pt 2/6)
Character Range: 143248–146601

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.

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. X-ray changes only.
Normal or nearly  Normal or nearly normal range of               normal range of movement.              movement.

                FIVE Loss of about one- quarter of normal range of movement.

                TEN Loss of about half of  Loss of about one-quarter normal range of               normal range of movement.              movement.

                FIFTEEN Loss of about three- quarters of normal range of movement.

                TWENTY Loss of almost all Loss of about half of movement, or complete              normal range of ankylosis in position              movement.
                of function.

                THIRTY  Ankylosis in an Loss of about three- unfavourable position.              quarters of normal range of
                                 movement.

                                 FORTY Loss of almost all movement, or complete ankylosis in position of function.

                                 FIFTY Ankylosis in an unfavour- able position, or unstable joint.

  Ratings from this table are age adjusted (see Table 3.6.1)

Where applicable, two ratings are to be selected from this table
- one for the cervical spine and one for the thoraco­lumbar spine.

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 3.3.2
LOSS OF MUSCULOSKELETAL FUNCTION: THORACO-LUMBAR SPINE (BASED ON USE OF SPINE)

      Impairment
      Ratings Criteria

               NIL  Thoraco-lumbar spine condition causes no difficulty in sitting or standing or other normal activities.

               TWO Thoraco-lumbar spine condition causes occasional difficulties in prolonged sitting or standing.

               FIVE             Thoraco-lumbar spine condition causes difficulties in sitting or standing that generally result in pain or undue fatigue by the end of the day.

               TEN            Thoraco-lumbar spine condition generally causes pain or undue fatigue within half an hour, and so requires frequent changes of posture.

               FIFTEEN Thoraco-lumbar spine condition generally causes pain or undue fatigue within five minutes, and so requires very frequent changes of posture.

 Ratings from this table are age adjusted (see Table 3.6.1)

One rating may be selected from this table in respect of the thoraco­lumbar spine. No rating is to be selected from this ta­ ble in respect of the cervical spine.

Step 3: (Omit this step if you are not assessing an impairment of the thoraco­ lumbar spine.)