Injury to sacral nerve root

This code represents a traumatic injury affecting the sacral nerve roots, which are part of the cauda equina and exit the spinal canal at the sacral level. Such injuries can result in sensory deficits, motor weakness, or bowel/bladder dysfunction in the lower extremities and perineal region.

Use this code for documented cases of direct trauma, compression, or laceration to the sacral nerve roots. This typically occurs due to fractures of the sacrum, penetrating wounds, or severe disc herniations impacting this specific nerve group. Documentation should clearly specify the sacral nerve roots as the site of injury.

• Differentiate from general spinal cord injury (e.g., at the sacral level) if the injury is specifically to the nerve roots after exiting the conus medullaris.
• Always code the underlying cause of the injury (e.g., sacral fracture) first, followed by this code for the nerve root involvement.
• Ensure documentation specifies "sacral nerve root" rather than a broader "lumbar-sacral plexus" or "cauda equina" injury if more specific coding is available for those.