Unspecified inflammatory spondylopathy, cervical region
ICD-10 M46.92 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unspecified inflammatory spondylopathy, cervical region.
Unspecified inflammatory spondylopathy of the cervical region refers to a group of inflammatory conditions affecting the cervical spine that do not have a specific diagnosis. This condition can manifest as pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the neck due to inflammation of the vertebrae and surrounding tissues. It may be associated with other inflammatory diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis, which primarily affects the sacroiliac joints and can lead to spinal fusion over time. Inflammatory spondylopathies can also be linked to autoimmune disorders, infections, or other systemic inflammatory conditions. Diagnosis typically involves clinical evaluation, imaging studies like MRI or CT scans, and laboratory tests to rule out other conditions. Treatment may include anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgical intervention. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the specific cause of inflammation is not clearly defined, which can complicate treatment and management.
Detailed patient history, physical examination findings, imaging results, and laboratory tests.
Patients presenting with chronic neck pain, stiffness, and a history of inflammatory diseases.
Ensure clear documentation of inflammatory markers and response to treatment.
Surgical notes, imaging studies, and post-operative follow-up documentation.
Patients requiring surgical intervention for severe spinal stenosis or deformity due to inflammatory spondylopathy.
Document the rationale for surgical intervention and any conservative treatments attempted.
Used to evaluate the extent of inflammation in the cervical spine.
Document the reason for the MRI and any prior treatments attempted.
Rheumatologists and orthopedic surgeons should ensure imaging correlates with clinical findings.
Document the patient's symptoms, clinical findings, imaging results, and any relevant history of inflammatory conditions to support the diagnosis of unspecified inflammatory spondylopathy.