Kissing spine, cervical region
ICD-10 M48.22 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of kissing spine, cervical region.
Kissing spine, also known as 'overlapping spines,' refers to a condition where adjacent vertebrae in the cervical region come into contact with each other, often leading to pain and discomfort. This condition can arise due to various underlying issues, including degenerative changes, trauma, or congenital anomalies. In the context of spondylopathies, kissing spine can be associated with conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis, where inflammation leads to the fusion of vertebrae, increasing the risk of adjacent vertebrae touching. Spinal stenosis, characterized by narrowing of the spinal canal, can exacerbate symptoms by increasing pressure on the spinal cord and nerves. Inflammatory spine conditions may also contribute to the development of kissing spine, as inflammation can alter the normal alignment and spacing of vertebrae. Clinically, patients may present with neck pain, stiffness, and neurological symptoms depending on the severity of the condition and any associated nerve compression. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI to assess vertebral alignment and rule out other pathologies.
Detailed clinical notes including physical examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plans.
Patients presenting with neck pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion due to kissing spine.
Documentation should clearly differentiate kissing spine from other cervical spine disorders to avoid coding errors.
Comprehensive assessment of inflammatory markers and history of autoimmune conditions.
Patients with a history of ankylosing spondylitis presenting with new cervical symptoms.
Consideration of systemic inflammatory conditions that may contribute to kissing spine.
Used to evaluate kissing spine in patients presenting with neck pain.
Document the reason for imaging and findings related to kissing spine.
Orthopedic specialists should ensure imaging correlates with clinical findings.
Common symptoms include neck pain, stiffness, and potential neurological symptoms such as numbness or weakness in the arms, depending on the severity of the condition.
Kissing spine is diagnosed through clinical evaluation and imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRI, which reveal the contact between adjacent cervical vertebrae.
Yes, non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, pain management, and anti-inflammatory medications are often effective in managing symptoms.
Surgery may be considered if conservative treatments fail and the patient experiences significant pain or neurological deficits due to kissing spine.
