2025 ICD-10-CM code M51.2
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Musculoskeletal - Other dorsopathies (M50-M54) Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99) Feed
Other thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbosacral intervertebral disc displacement.
Modifiers may be used to indicate the location or laterality of the procedure (if applicable).
Medical necessity for diagnosis and treatment of intervertebral disc displacement is established by the presence of significant symptoms such as radiculopathy (pain, numbness, weakness radiating down the leg), cauda equina syndrome, or progressive neurological deficits.Imaging studies are medically necessary to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment planning.Surgery is typically considered only after failure of conservative management.
Diagnosis and treatment of intervertebral disc displacement, including neurological examination, ordering and interpretation of imaging studies (X-rays, CT, MRI, myelography, discography), nerve conduction studies, electromyography, and determining appropriate treatment plan (conservative or surgical).
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99)
- Dorsopathies (M40-M54); Other dorsopathies (M50-M54)
In simple words: A slipped, herniated, or ruptured disc in the mid-to-lower back happens when the soft inside of a spinal disc pushes out through the tough outer layer. This can be caused by injury, heavy lifting, or aging.It may not cause any symptoms, or it can lead to back pain, leg pain, numbness, and tingling. Doctors diagnose it using exams and imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs. Treatment might involve pain relievers, physical therapy, or surgery in severe cases.
Other thoracic, thoracolumbar, and lumbosacral intervertebral disc displacement, also known as a slipped disc, herniated disc, or ruptured disc, occurs when the nucleus pulposus (jellylike interior) of an intervertebral disc oozes through the anulus fibrosus (tough outer layer). This can result from injury, heavy lifting, or aging.The condition may be asymptomatic or cause spinal curvature and nerve compression, leading to burning, tingling, numbness, and radiating pain in the back and lower extremities, along with restricted movement. Diagnosis involves patient history, physical examination (including neurological assessment), and imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, CT myelography, discography, MRI). Nerve conduction studies and electromyography may be used if symptoms warrant. Treatment options range from conservative measures (analgesics, NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, orthoses, physical therapy) to surgery if conservative treatments fail.
Example 1: A 45-year-old male presents with acute low back pain radiating down his right leg after lifting a heavy object. Physical exam reveals decreased sensation and reflexes in the right leg. MRI confirms a herniated L4-L5 disc. The physician recommends conservative treatment with NSAIDs, physical therapy, and epidural steroid injections., A 60-year-old female with chronic low back pain and leg pain undergoes a CT myelogram revealing spinal stenosis and a herniated L5-S1 disc.The physician recommends surgical intervention to decompress the nerve roots., A 30-year-old presents with chronic, intermittent low back pain with no neurological deficits.Physical exam and imaging studies reveal a small, asymptomatic disc protrusion.Conservative management with education and back strengthening exercises is recommended.
Detailed patient history including mechanism of injury (if applicable), onset, location, and character of pain; neurological exam findings (strength, reflexes, sensation); imaging reports (X-ray, CT, MRI, myelography, discography); results of nerve conduction studies and electromyography (if performed); treatment plan and response to treatment.
** Asymptomatic disc displacement does not require coding.Always code the specific underlying cause if known (e.g., trauma, degenerative disease).
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Not applicable.
- Specialties:Orthopedics, Neurosurgery, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center