Discitis, unspecified, multiple sites in spine
ICD-10 M46.49 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of discitis, unspecified, multiple sites in spine.
Discitis is an inflammatory condition affecting the intervertebral discs, often resulting from infection, trauma, or degenerative changes. When classified as unspecified and affecting multiple sites in the spine, it indicates a broader involvement without a clear etiology. Patients may present with severe back pain, fever, and neurological deficits depending on the extent of the inflammation and any associated complications such as abscess formation or spinal instability. The condition can be linked to spondylopathies, including ankylosing spondylitis, which is characterized by chronic inflammation of the spine and sacroiliac joints. Discitis can also occur in conjunction with spinal stenosis, where narrowing of the spinal canal leads to nerve compression. Inflammatory spine conditions often require a multidisciplinary approach for management, including imaging studies, laboratory tests, and possibly surgical intervention. Accurate diagnosis and coding are crucial for appropriate treatment and reimbursement.
Detailed surgical notes, imaging results, and patient history.
Post-operative infections leading to discitis, trauma-related discitis.
Ensure clarity on the surgical site and any complications that may arise.
Comprehensive patient history, lab results, and imaging studies.
Patients with ankylosing spondylitis presenting with discitis.
Document any systemic inflammatory markers and their correlation with discitis.
Used to evaluate suspected discitis.
Document indications for imaging and findings.
Ensure imaging correlates with clinical symptoms.
Common causes of discitis include bacterial infections, post-surgical complications, and inflammatory diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis.
