Anterior cord syndrome at C3, init

This code signifies a specific type of incomplete spinal cord injury affecting the anterior two-thirds of the cervical spinal cord at the C3 vertebral level. It typically results in motor paralysis, loss of pain and temperature sensation below the lesion, while preserving proprioception, vibration, and touch.

Use this code for a patient presenting with new onset or initial treatment for anterior cord syndrome definitively localized to the C3 level. Documentation should clearly state the specific syndrome, the C3 level involvement, and indicate that this is the first encounter for this condition.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "anterior cord syndrome" and the C3 level. Do not use for other incomplete spinal cord syndromes (e.g., central cord, Brown-Séquard).
• The "A" seventh character indicates an initial encounter for active treatment of the injury. Subsequent encounters will require different seventh characters.
• Confirm the injury is to the spinal cord itself, not just a fracture or dislocation without neurological deficit.