Paraplegia, complete

This code signifies a severe neurological impairment characterized by complete paralysis affecting the lower half of the body, including both legs. It indicates a total loss of motor and sensory function below the level of the spinal cord injury.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states "complete paraplegia" or describes a total absence of voluntary movement and sensation in the trunk and lower extremities. This typically results from a severe spinal cord injury.

• Ensure documentation specifies "complete" paralysis; partial paralysis requires a different code.
• Always sequence this code after the underlying cause of the paraplegia (e.g., spinal cord injury, tumor).
• Do not confuse with monoplegia or hemiplegia, which involve different patterns of paralysis.