Other infective spondylopathies, lumbosacral region
ICD-10 M46.57 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other infective spondylopathies, lumbosacral region.
Infective spondylopathies refer to inflammatory conditions of the spine caused by infectious agents, which can lead to significant morbidity. The lumbosacral region is particularly vulnerable due to its weight-bearing function and mobility. Conditions such as osteomyelitis, discitis, and spondylodiscitis can manifest in this area, often resulting from bacterial infections, tuberculosis, or fungal infections. Symptoms typically include localized pain, fever, and neurological deficits if spinal cord involvement occurs. Diagnosis is often confirmed through imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans, alongside laboratory tests to identify the causative organism. Treatment usually involves a combination of antibiotics or antifungal medications and may require surgical intervention in severe cases. The complexity of diagnosing and coding these conditions arises from the need to differentiate between various types of spondylopathies and to accurately document the infectious etiology.
Detailed imaging reports, surgical notes, and lab results.
Patients presenting with back pain and fever, suspected osteomyelitis.
Ensure clarity in distinguishing between infectious and degenerative conditions.
Microbiological test results, treatment plans, and follow-up notes.
Patients with known infections presenting with spinal symptoms.
Document the response to treatment and any complications.
Used to evaluate suspected infective spondylopathy.
Document indications for the scan and findings.
Orthopedic and Infectious Disease specialists should ensure imaging correlates with clinical findings.
Common causes include bacterial infections such as Staphylococcus aureus, tuberculosis, and fungal infections. Risk factors include immunocompromised states, recent infections, and history of spinal surgery.