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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS12.351

S12.351

Billable

Other traumatic nondisplaced spondylolisthesis of fourth cervical vertebra

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S12.351 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of other traumatic nondisplaced spondylolisthesis of fourth cervical vertebra.

Key Diagnostic Point:

S12.351 refers to a specific type of spinal injury characterized by the anterior displacement of the fourth cervical vertebra (C4) relative to the adjacent vertebrae, without any associated fracture. This condition 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. The nondisplaced nature of the spondylolisthesis indicates that while the vertebra has shifted, it has not fractured or displaced in a way that would require surgical intervention. Clinically, patients may present with neck pain, neurological deficits, or symptoms related to spinal cord compression, such as weakness or numbness in the upper extremities. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies, including X-rays, CT scans, or MRI, to assess the alignment of the cervical vertebrae and rule out other injuries. Management may include conservative treatment such as physical therapy, pain management, and in some cases, surgical intervention if neurological symptoms worsen or do not improve with conservative care.

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 precise 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
  • Lack of imaging results in the medical record
  • Misclassification of the injury type

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Detailed documentation of the patient's trauma history, mechanism of injury, and initial assessment findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all neurological assessments are documented to support the diagnosis.

Surgery

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for progressive neurological deficits or instability.

Billing Considerations

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

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S12.351 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury's cause, type, and any associated conditions
  • Use additional codes as necessary to capture the full clinical picture

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S12.351 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

63075CPT Code

Laminectomy, cervical, single segment

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for symptomatic relief.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Ensure that the diagnosis supports the need for surgery.

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. S12.351 provides a clear distinction between types of spondylolisthesis, which aids in clinical management and research.

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. S12.351 provides a clear distinction between types of spondylolisthesis, which aids in clinical management and research.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S12.351 provides a clear distinction between types of spondylolisthesis, which aids in clinical management and research.

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 displaced and nondisplaced spondylolisthesis?

Displaced spondylolisthesis involves a fracture or significant shift of the vertebra, while nondisplaced indicates that the vertebra has shifted but remains intact without fracture.