CAISS - Terminology
Perforation - Answer A hole / break / opening made through the entire thickness of a membrane, wall or
other tissue of an organ or structure of the body.
Rupture - Answer Process / instance of breaking open or bursting to forcibly disrupt tissue resulting in a
hole, break or opening with stellate edges or devitalized/fragmented tissue made through the entire
thickness of a membrane or other issue of an organ/structure.
Arch / Ring - Answer Can be used interchangeably when describing a portion of the vertebrae or pelvis.
Neurological Deficit - Answer Loss in function of the nervous system that was not present prior to injury
and lasts for more than a transient period (more than a few mins). Examples: weakness, numbness,
tingling, mental status change, dysfunction of language, vision or reflexes
Major/Complex Laceration - Answer Injury in which the tissues are torn from a blunt or penetrating
force. It must. Involve deeper tissues (subcutaneous &/or muscle) causing jagged or irregular edges.
Usually requires a layered closure, revision of the jagged edges or extensive cleaning or removal of
debris.
Branches of Vessels - Answer Not coded unless the branch has a specific anatomical name or it is
included within a vessel descriptor. Must be a direct tributary of that vessel.
GSW with retained bullet in the bone - Answer Coded as an open fracture.
Vasospasm - Answer May or may not show on imaging. It is a result of injury not an injury in it's self
therefore cannot be coded
