Other deforming dorsopathies (M43) ICD-10-CM

About the M43 Code Range

The ICD-10 code section M43 covers a variety of other deforming dorsopathies, which are conditions causing abnormal changes and misalignments in the spine. These codes are used to document specific spinal deformities such as spondylolysis, spondylolisthesis, spinal fusion, recurrent vertebral dislocation, and torticollis.

This section includes detailed classifications for spondylolysis (e.g., M43.00–M43.09), which refers to defects or stress fractures in parts of the vertebrae often called pars interarticularis. Sometimes known as spondylolytic spondylolisthesis or acquired spondylolysis, these codes specify the spinal region affected, such as cervical or lumbar. Similarly, spondylolisthesis (M43.10–M43.19) refers to the slipping or displacement of vertebrae, with synonyms including post-traumatic spondylolisthesis and degenerative spondylolisthesis. Codes for fusion of the spine (e.g., M43.20–M43.28) describe ankylosis or abnormal joining of vertebrae in different spinal regions. Other important codes relate to recurrent vertebral dislocations and torticollis (M43.6), which covers neck muscle stiffness and head tilt conditions. This ICD-10 code group is essential for capturing the nuanced diagnoses of deformities affecting spinal structure and mobility across various spinal areas.