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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS12.451

S12.451

Billable

Other traumatic nondisplaced spondylolisthesis of fifth cervical vertebra

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/11/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S12.451 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other traumatic nondisplaced spondylolisthesis of fifth cervical vertebra.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S12.451 refers to a specific type of spinal injury characterized by a nondisplaced spondylolisthesis at the fifth cervical vertebra (C5). This condition occurs when one vertebra slips forward over another without fracturing or displacing the vertebra itself. It is often the result of trauma, such as a fall, motor vehicle accident, or sports injury, where excessive force is applied to the cervical spine. Clinically, patients may present with neck pain, stiffness, and neurological symptoms depending on the severity of the injury and any associated spinal cord involvement. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to confirm the presence of spondylolisthesis and assess for any potential complications like spinal cord compression. Management may include conservative treatment options such as physical therapy and pain management, or surgical intervention in cases of significant instability or neurological compromise.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of spinal anatomy and injury mechanisms
  • Differentiation from other types of spondylolisthesis
  • Need for accurate documentation of trauma history
  • Potential for associated neurological symptoms

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the nondisplaced nature of the spondylolisthesis
  • Misclassification of the injury type
  • Lack of imaging documentation to support the diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Documentation must include a detailed account of the mechanism of injury, initial assessment findings, and any imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with neck pain after a fall or motor vehicle accident.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant imaging studies are documented and correlate with the diagnosis.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Operative reports must detail the surgical approach, findings, and any interventions performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical management of cervical spondylolisthesis due to trauma.

Billing Considerations

Document any pre-existing conditions that may affect surgical outcomes.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S12.451 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the code is used in conjunction with appropriate external cause codes to capture the mechanism of injury

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S12.451 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

63075CPT Code

Laminectomy, cervical, single segment

Clinical Scenario

Performed for decompression in cases of significant neurological symptoms.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report must detail the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the diagnosis supports the need for surgical intervention.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spinal injuries, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spinal injuries, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between S12.451 and S12.450?

S12.451 specifies a traumatic nondisplaced spondylolisthesis, while S12.450 is used when the type of spondylolisthesis is unspecified.