Final answer:
The term 'transection', in the context of spinal cord injuries, should be coded as 'complete' if the spinal cord has been fully severed, and 'incomplete' if there is some neurological function remaining below the level of the injury.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term transection generally refers to the act of cutting or dividing something transversely. When it comes to coding the term 'transection' in a medical context, particularly related to spinal cord injuries, it should be coded based on the extent of the injury. A complete transection would indicate that the spinal cord has been fully severed, with no neurological function preserved below the level of the injury. In contrast, an incomplete transection would mean that the injury partially severed the spinal cord, and some neurological function remains.
For accurate coding in a clinical or research setting, it is important to determine whether the transection is complete or incomplete based on the specifics of the injury. This will depend on the diagnosis and the findings from a healthcare professional's assessment of the patient.