Traumatic rupture of cervical intervertebral disc, init

This code signifies a tear or complete disruption of an intervertebral disc in the cervical spine resulting from an acute traumatic event. This injury often leads to neurological deficits due to spinal cord or nerve root compression.

Apply this code for patients presenting with a newly diagnosed cervical disc rupture directly attributable to trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident or fall. Documentation should clearly state the traumatic etiology and the specific cervical level if known.

• Ensure documentation explicitly links the disc rupture to a traumatic incident, differentiating it from degenerative disc disease.
• This "A" seventh character indicates an initial encounter for active treatment of the injury.
• Code also any associated spinal cord injury (e.g., G95.9) or nerve root compression (e.g., G54.2).