Spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis - Rheumatoid arthritis affecting the cervical spine Factor
RMA definition
A 'surgical procedure involving immobilisation of the posterior elements, particularly the spinous processes, of two or more lumbar vertebrae, by the use of bone grafting, in the absence of immobilisation of the lateral elements, particularly the transverse processes, of the same vertebrae. This definition specifically excludes posterolateral lumbar spinal fusion'.
General information
Posterior fusion is a major surgical procedure and would be documented in medical records.
Posterior lumbar spinal fusion is carried out through an incision in the back, as opposed to anterior fusion which is carried out from the front of the patient, and may be indicated in cases of:
- intervertebral disc degeneration, or in conjunction with surgery for removal of a ruptured disc
- prior disc surgery resulting in disc space collapse and persistent pain
- instability associated with a long history of back pain
Posterior lumbar spinal fusion may also be carried out as treatment for spondylolisthesis and spondylolysis.
Last reviewed for CCPS 16 September 2011.
Preliminary questions [24405]
29390 there is some evidence that a posterior lumbar spinal fusion may be a factor in the development of the condition under consideration.
28743 the condition under consideration involves the lumbar spine.
24334 the veteran's spondylolisthesis or spondylolysis is lumbar spondylolytic spondylolisthesis or spondylolysis.
29357 the condition under consideration is lumbar spondylolysis.
24387 the veteran has undergone a posterior lumbar spinal fusion at some time.
24388 the veteran underwent a posterior lumbar spinal fusion of a segment of a vertebra which adjoins a vertebra affected by the lumbar spondylolytic spondylolisthesis or spondylolysis.
24389 the veteran underwent a posterior lumbar spinal fusion of a segment of a vertebra which adjoins a vertebra affected by the lumbar spondylolytic spondylolisthesis or spondylolysis before the clinical onset of lumbar spondylolytic spondylolisthesis or spondylolysis.
29392 the veteran underwent a posterior lumbar spinal fusion of a segment of a vertebra which adjoins a vertebra affected by the lumbar spondylolytic spondylolisthesis or spondylolysis before the clinical onset of lumbar spondylolytic spondylolisthesis or spondylolysis for an illness or injury which is identifiable. [Default true]
24390 the veteran has established the causal connection between the posterior lumbar spinal fusion and VEA service for the clinical onset of the condition under consideration.
24391 the veteran has established the causal connection between the posterior lumbar spinal fusion and operational service for the clinical onset of lumbar spondylolytic spondylolisthesis or spondylolysis.
or
24392 the veteran has established the causal connection between the posterior lumbar spinal fusion and eligible service for the clinical onset of lumbar spondylolytic spondylolisthesis or spondylolysis.
Clinical onset and operational service [24391]
24394 the identified illness or injury for which the posterior lumbar spinal fusion was undergone is causally related to operational service.
Clinical onset and eligible service [24392]
24393 the identified illness or injury for which the posterior lumbar spinal fusion was undergone is causally related to eligible service.