Q: A patient sustains several cervical spine fractures in a fall. They include C1 lateral mass fracture, and both spinous process and transverse process fractures of C4 and C5. What are the correct codes in AIS 2005?

A:
650226.2, C1 lateral mass (pedicle) fracture
650217.2, C4 multiple fractures of same vertebra
650217.2, C5 multiple fractures of same vertebra
Each vertebra is coded separately. AIS 2005 clarifies where to code various portions of the C1 vertebra, and also adds a new code for multiple fractures of the same vertebra.