Spinal Fusion
Definition
A surgical procedure that permanently joins two or more vertebrae to eliminate motion at a painful or unstable segment. Spinal fusion is a common surgical treatment in workers' compensation spinal injury cases and results in loss of motion segment integrity, which significantly increases the DRE impairment category.
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Spinal Fusion?
A surgical procedure that permanently joins two or more vertebrae to eliminate motion at a painful or unstable segment. Spinal fusion is a common surgical treatment in workers' compensation spinal injury cases and results in loss of motion segment integrity, which significantly increases the DRE impairment category.
Is spinal fusion covered under workers' compensation in California?
Spinal Fusion may be authorized as part of a workers' compensation treatment plan in California, subject to utilization review (UR) and the Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule (MTUS). The primary treating physician must request authorization through the appropriate channels.