Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, thoracolumbar region
ICD-10 M48.55 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, thoracolumbar region.
Collapsed vertebrae in the thoracolumbar region can occur due to various underlying conditions, including trauma, osteoporosis, or malignancy. This code is used when the vertebral collapse is not classified under other specific categories. The thoracolumbar region, which includes the lower thoracic and upper lumbar vertebrae, is particularly susceptible to collapse due to its biomechanical stress and weight-bearing function. Conditions such as spondylopathies, including ankylosing spondylitis, can lead to vertebral collapse due to chronic inflammation and subsequent structural changes. Spinal stenosis, which narrows the spinal canal, may also contribute to vertebral instability and collapse. Inflammatory spine conditions can exacerbate these issues, leading to pain, reduced mobility, and neurological deficits. Accurate diagnosis and coding are essential for appropriate management and treatment planning, as well as for understanding the underlying causes of the vertebral collapse.
Detailed imaging reports, clinical notes on the patient's history, and physical examination findings.
Patients presenting with back pain, history of trauma, or chronic inflammatory conditions.
Ensure that the documentation clearly states the cause of the collapse and its impact on function.
Comprehensive assessment of inflammatory markers, imaging studies, and patient-reported outcomes.
Patients with known inflammatory spine diseases presenting with new or worsening back pain.
Document the relationship between inflammatory conditions and vertebral collapse to support coding.
Used for treating vertebral compression fractures.
Pre-procedure imaging and clinical justification for the procedure.
Orthopedic and interventional radiology specialties may perform this procedure.
The primary causes of a collapsed vertebra include osteoporosis, trauma, malignancy, and inflammatory conditions such as ankylosing spondylitis. Each cause may require different management strategies.
