Fatigue fracture of vertebra, occipt-atlan-ax region, init

This code signifies a stress fracture of a vertebra located in the upper cervical spine, specifically involving the occiput, atlas (C1), or axis (C2). This type of fracture results from repetitive microtrauma rather than a single acute injury.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a fatigue or stress fracture in the occipito-atlanto-axial region. This code is appropriate for the initial treatment encounter for the fracture. Supporting documentation should include imaging reports (e.g., MRI, CT) confirming a stress fracture and physician notes detailing the patient's symptoms and the repetitive nature of the injury.

• Ensure documentation specifies "fatigue" or "stress" fracture; otherwise, consider a traumatic fracture code.
• Verify the anatomical location is precisely within the occipito-atlanto-axial region.
• Confirm this is the initial encounter for the fracture treatment; subsequent encounters will require a different seventh character.