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  5. Spondylopathies in diseases classified elsewhere (M49)

Spondylopathies in diseases classified elsewhere (M49)

The ICD-10 code M49 and its subcodes are used to classify various types of spondylopathies that occur as part of other underlying diseases, affecting different regions of the spine. These codes help specify spinal conditions linked to infections, inflammatory diseases, or systemic disorders rather than primary spinal disorders.

Specifically, M49.80 covers spondylopathies where the exact spinal site is unspecified and includes infections such as Brucella spondylitis caused by different Brucella species (e.g., Brucella abortus, melitensis, canis, suis). This connection helps coders identify when spondylopathy is due to such infectious causes. Codes from M49.81 through M49.89 localize the spondylopathy to precise spinal regions such as the occipito-atlanto-axial, cervical, thoracic, lumbar, or sacral areas, including the lumbosacral region and multiple spine sites. For example, M49.88 also relates to conditions involving the sacral curve. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for accurate coding of spinal involvement in systemic diseases, ensuring clear medical records and facilitating appropriate patient management.

Instructional Notations

Includes

This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.

  • curvature of spine in diseases classified elsewhere
  • deformity of spine in diseases classified elsewhere
  • kyphosis in diseases classified elsewhere
  • scoliosis in diseases classified elsewhere
  • spondylopathy in diseases classified elsewhere

Code First

Certain conditions have both an underlying etiology and multiple body system manifestations due to the underlying etiology. For such conditions, the ICD-10-CM has a coding convention that requires the underlying condition be sequenced first followed by the manifestation. Wherever such a combination exists, there is a "use additional code" note at the etiology code, and a "code first" note at the manifestation code. These instructional notes indicate the proper sequencing order of the codes, etiology followed by manifestation.

  • underlying disease, such as:
  • brucellosis A23
  • Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease G60.0
  • enterobacterial infections A01 A04
  • osteitis fibrosa cystica E21.0

Type 1 Excludes

A type 1 excludes note is a pure excludes note. It means "NOT CODED HERE!" An Excludes1 note indicates that the code excluded should never be used at the same time as the code above the Excludes1 note. An Excludes1 is used when two conditions cannot occur together, such as a congenital form versus an acquired form of the same condition.

  • curvature of spine in tuberculosis [Pott's] A18.01
  • enteropathic arthropathies M07
  • gonococcal spondylitis A54.41
  • neuropathic [tabes dorsalis] spondylitis A52.11
  • neuropathic spondylopathy in syringomyelia G95.0
  • neuropathic spondylopathy in tabes dorsalis A52.11
  • nonsyphilitic neuropathic spondylopathy NEC G98.0
  • spondylitis in syphilis acquired A52.77
  • tuberculous spondylitis A18.01
  • typhoid fever spondylitis A01.05