Thoracogenic scoliosis, thoracolumbar region

This code signifies a lateral curvature of the spine in the thoracolumbar region that is secondary to a condition originating in the chest cavity. This type of scoliosis is not idiopathic but rather a compensatory or reactive spinal deformity caused by underlying thoracic pathology.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates scoliosis affecting both the thoracic and lumbar spine, and the etiology is explicitly linked to a thoracic condition (e.g., empyema, thoracotomy, rib resection, or other chest wall deformities). The physician's notes should specify the causal relationship between the thoracic issue and the spinal curvature.

• Ensure the documentation specifies the thoracolumbar region; otherwise, a more general or region-specific code may be appropriate.
• Always code the underlying thoracic condition first, as it is the primary cause of the scoliosis.
• Distinguish from idiopathic scoliosis (M41.1-) or neuromuscular scoliosis (M41.4-), which have different etiologies.