Final answer:
When it is not clear whether the spinal cord was lacerated or contused, the appropriate injury to code would be based on the symptoms and sensory deficits. A hemisection, where only half of the spinal cord is damaged, would result in hemiplegia on the side of the trauma. Sensory discrimination can help pinpoint the level of damage.
Step-by-step explanation:
When it is not clear whether the spinal cord was lacerated or contused, the appropriate injury to code would be based on the symptoms and sensory deficits. In the case of a hemisection, where only half of the spinal cord is damaged, the resulting condition would be hemiplegia on the side of the trauma, meaning one leg would be paralyzed. Sensory discrimination can help pinpoint the level of damage, as below the hemisection, pain stimuli would be perceived in the damaged side, but not fine touch. This information would be helpful for coding the injury accurately.