Type III traum spondylolysis of 7th cervcal vert, 7thB

This diagnosis code signifies a traumatic anterior displacement of the C7 vertebral body relative to the vertebra below it, specifically a Type III spondylolisthesis, which involves a fracture through the pars interarticularis. This particular code is used for the initial treatment phase of an open fracture, meaning the skin and soft tissues are compromised, exposing the bone.

Apply this code when a patient presents for the first time with an open traumatic spondylolisthesis of the seventh cervical vertebra, confirmed by imaging (e.g., X-ray, CT scan) to be a Type III fracture. Documentation should clearly state the C7 level, the traumatic etiology, the Type III classification (bilateral pars interarticularis fracture), and the open nature of the fracture.

• Ensure documentation specifies "open fracture" to differentiate from a closed fracture (S12.63XB).
• Verify the cervical level is C7; codes exist for other cervical vertebrae.
• Confirm this is the "initial encounter" for treatment of the fracture; subsequent encounters will use different seventh characters.