2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M51.44Schmorl's nodes, thoracic region

ICD-10-CM Codes›M00–M99›M50-M54›M51

ICD-10-CM M51.44
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

M51.44 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for Schmorl's nodes, 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 herniation of nucleus pulposus. 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
M51.44
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Schmorl's nodes, thoracic region
Short Description
Schmorl's nodes, thoracic region
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
M51.4
Schmorl's nodes

Code Classification

ChapterM00–M99Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
SectionM50-M54Other dorsopathies
CategoryM51Thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbosacral intervertebral disc disorders
This CodeM51.44Schmorl's nodes, thoracic region

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Herniation of nucleus pulposus
  • Schmorl's nodes
  • Schmorl's nodes of thoracic region

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.

    • Schmorl's disease or nodes
      • 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

Herniated Disk

Your backbone, or spine, is made up of 26 bones called vertebrae. In between them are soft disks filled with a jelly-like substance. These disks cushion the vertebrae and keep them in place. As you age, the disks break down or degenerate. As they do, they lose their cushioning ability. This can lead to pain if the back is stressed.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

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

Convert M51.44 to ICD-9-CMHistory

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

ICD-9-CM
722.31 Schmorls node-thoracic
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 M51.44Overview

Is M51.44 (Schmorl's nodes) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report Schmorl's nodes, thoracic region on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

What MS-DRG does M51.44 group to?

When Schmorl's nodes, 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 M51.44?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, Schmorl's nodes, thoracic region converts to ICD-9-CM 722.31 (schmorls node-thoracic). 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.