CAISS Spine Injuries 3

Question 1

In AIS 2005 Update coding, an isolated spinous process fracture of T6 without associated injury is best coded as:

Accepted Answer

AIS 1

Answer

Isolated spinous or transverse process fractures without instability or neurological deficit are coded AIS 1 (minor) in the spine region.

Question 2

A 'Jefferson fracture' refers to a burst fracture of which vertebra and is coded in which AIS body region?

Accepted Answer

C1, coded in Spine region

Answer

A Jefferson fracture is a C1 (atlas) burst fracture and is coded under the Spine body region in the AIS.

Question 3

When coding a T12 chance fracture (flexion-distraction injury) in an unrestrained rear passenger, the coder should assign a severity of at least:

Accepted Answer

AIS 3

Answer

Chance fractures are unstable flexion-distraction injuries typically coded AIS 3, with higher codes if neurological deficit is present.

Question 4

Which of the following BEST describes the role of CT imaging in AIS spine injury coding accuracy?

Accepted Answer

CT provides superior fracture characterization enabling more precise AIS code selection

Answer

CT imaging reveals fracture morphology, degree of canal compromise, and instability that allows coders to select the most accurate AIS severity level.

Question 5

A patient has both a C6 fracture (AIS 3) and an L3 fracture (AIS 2). When computing the ISS, these injuries both fall under the Spine body region. How are they handled?

Accepted Answer

Only the higher AIS code (AIS 3) represents that body region in ISS calculation

Answer

For ISS purposes, only the single highest AIS severity code within a body region contributes to that region's score; multiple injuries in the same region do not add together.

(CAISS) Certified Abbreviated Injury Scale Specialist Practice Test

(CAISS) Certified Abbreviated Injury Scale Specialist Practice Test

CAISS Spine Injuries 3