Congenital spondylolisthesis

This diagnosis code signifies a birth defect where a vertebra in the spine slips forward over the one below it, present from birth. This condition results from a congenital malformation of the vertebral arch, leading to instability and displacement.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states "congenital spondylolisthesis" or describes a vertebral slip identified at birth or attributed to a developmental anomaly. Supporting documentation would include imaging reports (X-ray, MRI) confirming the congenital nature of the defect and physician notes detailing the diagnosis.

• Differentiate carefully between congenital and acquired forms; the Excludes1 note prohibits coding with acquired spondylolisthesis (M43.1-).
• Ensure the physician's documentation explicitly links the spondylolisthesis to a congenital origin.
• Do not use this code for spondylolysis (M43.0-), even if congenital, as it describes a defect in the pars interarticularis without necessarily involving a slip.