Lumbar spinal cord injury without evidence of spinal bone injury

This code signifies a traumatic injury to the lumbar region of the spinal cord that results in neurological deficits, but without any radiographically identifiable fracture, dislocation, or other structural damage to the vertebral bones. It describes a "spinal cord injury without radiographic abnormality" (SCIWORA) specifically affecting the lumbar segment.

This code is appropriate for patients presenting with signs and symptoms of lumbar spinal cord dysfunction (e.g., lower extremity weakness, sensory loss, bowel/bladder dysfunction) following trauma, where imaging studies (X-rays, CT, MRI) of the lumbar spine do not reveal any bony injury. Documentation should clearly state the presence of a spinal cord injury and the absence of a vertebral fracture or dislocation.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "without evidence of spinal bone injury" or similar phrasing to support this specific code.
• Differentiate from codes for spinal cord contusion or laceration when bony injury is present.
• Consider sequencing this code as the primary diagnosis if it is the main reason for the encounter, followed by codes for specific neurological deficits.