2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code M53.2X1Spinal instabilities, occipito-atlanto-axial region

ICD-10-CM Codes›M00–M99›M50-M54›M53

ICD-10-CM M53.2X1
CMSSource: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2025 – Sep 30, 2026

M53.2X1 is a billable ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for spinal instabilities, occipito-atlanto-axial region. It is valid on HIPAA claims for fiscal year 2026 (October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026) and groups to MS-DRG 564 through 566. Coders also document this condition as atlantoaxial instability. In AHRQ's Clinical Classifications Software (CCSR), this diagnosis falls under Spondylopathies/spondyloarthropathy (including infective).

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
M53.2X1
Billable Status
Yes — Valid for Submission
Code Describes
Spinal instabilities, occipito-atlanto-axial region
Short Description
Spinal instabilities, occipito-atlanto-axial region
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Parent Code
M53.2X
Spinal instabilities

Code Classification

ChapterM00–M99Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
SectionM50-M54Other dorsopathies
CategoryM53Other and unspecified dorsopathies, not elsewhere classified
This CodeM53.2X1Spinal instabilities, occipito-atlanto-axial region

Approximate SynonymsGuidance

Alternate terms and clinical phrases that map to this code.

  • Atlantoaxial instability
  • Instability of atlantooccipital joint
  • Os odontoideum

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

Neck Injuries and Disorders

Any part of your neck - muscles, bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, or nerves - can cause neck problems. Neck pain is very common. Pain may also come from your shoulder, jaw, head, or upper arms.

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

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

Convert M53.2X1 to ICD-9-CMHistory

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

ICD-9-CM
718.88 Jt derangment NEC-oth jt
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 M53.2X1Overview

Is M53.2X1 (Spinal instabilities) a billable code?

Yes. This is a billable ICD-10-CM code, specific enough to report spinal instabilities, occipito-atlanto-axial region on HIPAA-covered claims from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.

What MS-DRG does M53.2X1 group to?

When spinal instabilities, occipito-atlanto-axial region is the principal diagnosis on an inpatient stay, it groups to MS-DRG 564, 565, 566, with relative weights from 0.7493 to 1.5436 depending on complications. Higher weights mean higher Medicare reimbursement.

What is the ICD-9 equivalent of M53.2X1?

Under the General Equivalence Mappings, spinal instabilities, occipito-atlanto-axial region converts to ICD-9-CM 718.88 (jt derangment NEC-oth jt). 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.