2025 ICD-10-CM code S12.6

Fracture of seventh cervical vertebra.

Use secondary codes from Chapter 20 (External causes of morbidity) to indicate the cause of injury. If a foreign body is retained, use code Z18.-.

Medical necessity for treatment is established by the presence of a confirmed C7 fracture and associated symptoms or complications. Further treatment, such as surgery, is justified if conservative management fails or if there is evidence of spinal cord compression.

Providers diagnose this condition based on the patient’s history of injury, physical examination of the cervical spine and extremities, assessment of nerve function, and imaging studies (X-rays, CT, MRI). Treatment may involve immobilization with a cervical collar, traction, pain medication (analgesics, NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections), or surgery to relieve pressure on the spinal cord.

In simple words: A fracture of the seventh cervical vertebra is a break in the bone of the lower neck due to severe trauma, such as from a car accident, fall, or sports injury. This can sometimes injure the spinal cord and disrupt communication between the brain and the body.

Fracture of seventh cervical vertebra. A fracture not indicated as displaced or nondisplaced should be coded to displaced. A fracture not indicated as open or closed should be coded to closed. Code first any associated cervical spinal cord injury (S14.0, S14.1-).

Example 1: A patient falls from a ladder and sustains a fracture of the seventh cervical vertebra, confirmed by X-ray. The fracture is closed and minimally displaced. Code: S12.600A, A patient involved in a motor vehicle accident presents with severe neck pain and neurological deficits. Imaging reveals an open, comminuted fracture of C7 with spinal cord compression.Code: S12.601A and corresponding spinal cord injury code., A patient with a history of a C7 fracture treated with a cervical collar returns for a follow-up visit. The fracture shows signs of delayed healing. Code: S12.600G

Documentation should include details of the injury mechanism, physical exam findings (e.g., pain, neurological deficits, range of motion), imaging reports confirming the fracture, and treatment provided.

** Excludes1: birth trauma (P10-P15), obstetric trauma (O70-O71)

  • Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Neurosurgery, Emergency Medicine, Trauma Surgery
  • Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Office
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