Traumatic rupture of lumbar intervertebral disc, sequela

This code signifies the long-term or late effects resulting from a traumatic rupture of a lumbar intervertebral disc. These sequelae can include persistent pain, neurological deficits, or functional limitations that manifest after the initial injury has healed. It indicates that the current patient presentation is a direct consequence of a past traumatic disc rupture in the lower back.

Use this code when documenting conditions like chronic radiculopathy, persistent low back pain, or cauda equina syndrome that are directly attributed to a previously sustained traumatic lumbar disc rupture. This code is appropriate when the acute phase of the injury has passed, and the patient is experiencing residual problems.

• Always assign this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela (e.g., chronic low back pain, radiculopathy).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to a past traumatic lumbar disc rupture.
• Do not use for acute or subacute traumatic disc ruptures; those require codes from the acute injury section.