QUESTION: My state still uses the AMA Guides, Fifth Edition and I would appreciate guidance on apportioning spinal impairment for someone having three cervical fusion surgeries. A 45-year-old man had an anterior cervical discectomy and fusion at C5-6 for nonoccupational right upper extremity radiculopathy in 2006. He reportedly did well until a work-related rear-end motor vehicle accident in 2010. C6-7 spondylosis and disk herniation with radiculopathy prompted a C6-7 anterior cervical discectomy and fusion in 2011. This was complicated by pseudoarthrosis that necessitated a posterior C6-7 fusion in 2012. The claimant is subjectively worse now than just prior to the collision.
Since the claimant now has multilevel involvement he would be rated using the Range of Motion (ROM) Method. Per Table 15-7, Criteria for Rating Whole Person Impairment Percent Due to Specific Spinal Disorders (5th ed, 404)...
