Adult osteochondrosis of spine, occipt-atlan-ax region

This code represents a degenerative condition affecting the cartilage and underlying bone in the upper cervical spine, specifically the occiput, atlas (C1), and axis (C2) vertebrae, in adult patients. It involves a disturbance in endochondral ossification, leading to avascular necrosis of the bone and cartilage. This can result in pain, stiffness, and neurological symptoms due to spinal instability or compression.

Use this code for adult patients diagnosed with osteochondrosis localized to the occipito-atlanto-axial region of the spine. Documentation should clearly specify the diagnosis of osteochondrosis and explicitly state its involvement in the C0-C2 area. Imaging reports (e.g., X-ray, MRI) confirming degenerative changes consistent with osteochondrosis in this specific spinal segment are crucial for supporting this diagnosis.

• Ensure the patient is an adult; pediatric osteochondrosis uses different codes.
• Verify the specific spinal region is documented as occipito-atlanto-axial (C0-C2); avoid using this code for osteochondrosis in other spinal segments.
• Consider sequencing this code with codes for associated symptoms (e.g., cervicalgia, radiculopathy) if documented.