Intvrt annulus fibrosus defect, small, lumbosacral region

Intervertebral annulus fibrosus defect, small, lumbosacral region

📋Clinical Description

This code describes a minor tear or disruption in the outer fibrous ring (annulus fibrosus) of an intervertebral disc specifically located in the lumbosacral spine. This defect is characterized as "small," indicating a limited extent of the tear. It often contributes to low back pain and can be a precursor to or associated with disc herniation.

🎯When to Use

Use this code when diagnostic imaging (e.g., MRI) or surgical findings confirm a small defect in the annulus fibrosus of a lumbosacral intervertebral disc. Documentation should explicitly state the presence of an annular defect and specify its small size and lumbosacral location. This code is appropriate when the defect is the primary diagnosis or a significant contributing factor to the patient's symptoms.

💡Coding Tips

Ensure documentation specifies "small" to differentiate from other sizes of annular defects.
Verify the lumbosacral location; do not use for defects in other spinal regions.
Consider sequencing with codes for associated conditions like disc degeneration (M51.3-) or low back pain (M54.5-) if applicable.

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Clinical Notes

Code first

, if applicable, lumbosacral disc herniation (M51.17, M51.27)

Code Hierarchy

▲M51.AOther lumbar and lumbosacral annulus fibrosus disc defects

M51.A4(current)

Same Category

M51Thoracic, thoracolum, and lumbosacral intvrt disc disorders M51.0Thoracic, thrclm and lumbosacr intvrt disc disord w myelpath M51.04Intervertebral disc disorders w myelopathy, thoracic region M51.05Intvrt disc disorders w myelopathy, thoracolumbar region M51.06Intervertebral disc disorders with myelopathy, lumbar region M51.1Thor, thrclm & lumbosacr intvrt disc disord w radiculopathy