Unsp traum nondisp spondylolysis of third cervcal vert, sqla

This code describes a long-term complication or late effect resulting from a past injury to the third cervical vertebra (C3), specifically an unspecified traumatic nondisplaced spondylolisthesis. This means a C3 vertebral body has slipped forward over the one below it due to trauma, but the displacement is not significant, and the current encounter is for a residual condition or sequela of that original injury.

Use this code when documenting a patient presenting for follow-up care, rehabilitation, or management of chronic symptoms directly attributable to a previously sustained, unspecified traumatic nondisplaced spondylolisthesis of the C3 vertebra. This applies when the initial acute injury has resolved, but the patient continues to experience issues related to the vertebral slippage.

• Always assign an external cause code to describe the original traumatic event, if known.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current encounter to the sequela of the past injury, not an acute phase.
• Verify that the spondylolisthesis is specifically of the third cervical vertebra (C3) and is nondisplaced.