2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M51.34Other intervertebral disc degeneration, thoracic region

ICD-10-CM Codes›M00–M99›M50-M54›M51

ICD-10-CM M51.34
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

M51.34 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for other intervertebral disc degeneration, thoracic region. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 551 through 552. Coders also document this condition as annular tear of thoracic disc. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Spondylopathies/spondyloarthropathy (including infective).

This medical diagnosis code is frequently used in Orthopedics medical specialties to designate conditions such thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbosacral intervertebral disc disorders.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
M51.34
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Other intervertebral disc degeneration, thoracic region
Short Description
Other intervertebral disc degeneration, thoracic region
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
M51.3
Other thoracic, thoracolumbar and lumbosacral intervertebral disc degeneration

Code Classification

ChapterM00–M99Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
SectionM50-M54Other dorsopathies
CategoryM51Thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbosacral intervertebral disc disorders
This CodeM51.34Other intervertebral disc degeneration, thoracic region

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Annular tear of thoracic disc
  • Bone spur of vertebra
  • Degeneration of thoracic intervertebral disc
  • Degeneration of thoracic intervertebral disc and osteophyte
  • Degeneration of thoracic intervertebral disc without prolapse
  • Mass of thoracic vertebrae
  • Prolapse of thoracic intervertebral disc with degeneration
  • Tear of the annulus fibrosus of intervertebral disc

Index to Diseases and InjuriesGuidance

Alphabetical index entries that point to this code.

External Cause of Injuries IndexGuidance

References for this code in the External Cause of Injuries Index.

    • Degeneration, degenerative
      • intervertebral disc
        • thoracic region

Clinical ClassificationClinical

AHRQ’s CCSR groups this code into broader clinical categories.

CCSR MUS011
Spondylopathies/spondyloarthropathy (including infective)
Default principal diagnosis: inpatient Yes · outpatient Yes

Patient EducationClinical

Spine Injuries and Disorders

Your backbone, or spine, is made up of 26 bone discs called vertebrae. The vertebrae protect your spinal cord and allow you to stand and bend. A number of problems can change the structure of the spine or damage the vertebrae and surrounding tissue. They include:

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Convert M51.34 to ICD-9-CMHistory

The closest ICD-9-CM equivalents under the General Equivalence Mappings.

ICD-9-CM
722.51 Thoracic disc degen
Approximate The match is approximate rather than exact.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2025No changes
FY 2026CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

Questions About M51.34Overview

Is M51.34 a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report other intervertebral disc degeneration, thoracic region on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

What MS-DRG does M51.34 group to?

When other intervertebral disc degeneration, thoracic region is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 551, 552, with relative weights from 0.9613 to 1.6761 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of M51.34?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, other intervertebral disc degeneration, thoracic region converts to ICD-9-CM 722.51 (thoracic disc degen). The mapping is approximate, so confirm the match fits the documentation.

Footnotes

[1] Chronic - a chronic condition code indicates a condition lasting 12 months or longer and its effect on the patient based on one or both of the following criteria:

  • The condition results in the need for ongoing intervention with medical products,treatment, services, and special equipment
  • The condition places limitations on self-care, independent living, and social interactions.