Version 2024

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code S24.132

Anterior cord syndrome at T2-T6 level of thoracic spinal cord

ICD-10-CM Code:
S24.132
ICD-10 Code for:
Anterior cord syndrome at T2-T6
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes
    (S00–T88)
    • Injuries to the thorax
      (S20-S29)
      • Injury of nerves and spinal cord at thorax level
        (S24)

S24.132 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of anterior cord syndrome at t2-t6 level of thoracic spinal cord. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2024 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Specific Coding Applicable to Anterior cord syndrome at T2-T6

Non-specific codes like S24.132 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for anterior cord syndrome at t2-t6:

  • Use S24.132A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S24.132D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S24.132S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

Approximate Synonyms

The following clinical terms are approximate synonyms or lay terms that might be used to identify the correct diagnosis code:

  • Anterior cord syndrome of thoracic spinal cord at T2 level
  • Anterior cord syndrome of thoracic spinal cord at T3 level
  • Anterior cord syndrome of thoracic spinal cord at T4 level
  • Anterior cord syndrome of thoracic spinal cord at T5 level
  • Anterior cord syndrome of thoracic spinal cord at T6 level
  • Anterior thoracic cord injury, without bony injury, T1-6
  • Incomplete spinal cord lesion at T1-T6 level without bone injury
  • Injury at T1-T6 level with spinal cord injury AND without bone injury
  • Open fracture of T1-T6 level with anterior cord syndrome
  • Open fracture of T1-T6 level with spinal cord injury
  • Open fracture of T1-T6 level with spinal cord injury
  • Open spinal fracture with anterior thoracic cord lesion, T1-6
  • Traumatic anterior cord syndrome

Coding Guidelines

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Injury of nerves and spinal cord at thorax level (S24). Use the following options for the aplicable episode of care:

  • A - initial encounter
  • D - subsequent encounter
  • S - sequela

Index to Diseases and Injuries References

The following annotation back-references for this diagnosis code are found in the injuries and diseases index. The Index to Diseases and Injuries is an alphabetical listing of medical terms, with each term mapped to one or more ICD-10-CM code(s).

Patient Education


Spinal Cord Injuries

Your spinal cord is a bundle of nerves that runs down the middle of your back. It carries signals back and forth between your body and your brain. A spinal cord injury disrupts the signals. Spinal cord injuries usually begin with a blow that fractures (breaks) or dislocates your vertebrae, the bone disks that make up your spine. Most injuries don't cut through your spinal cord. Instead, they cause damage when pieces of vertebrae tear into cord tissue or press down on the nerve parts that carry signals.

Spinal cord injuries can be complete or incomplete. With a complete spinal cord injury, the cord can't send signals below the level of the injury. As a result, you are paralyzed below the injury. With an incomplete injury, you have some movement and sensation below the injury.

A spinal cord injury is a medical emergency. Immediate treatment can reduce long-term effects. Treatments may include medicines, braces or traction to stabilize the spine, and surgery. Later treatment usually includes medicines and rehabilitation therapy. Mobility aids and assistive devices may help you to get around and do some daily tasks.

NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.