Schmorl's nodes
Schmorl's nodes
M51.4 is a header (parent) code in the ICD-10-CM hierarchy. It is not billable for claim submission. Use one of the billable child codes listed below.
Billable codes in this category
Each of the codes below is billable. Choose the one that most accurately describes the patient's diagnosis.
M51.44 identifies Schmorl's nodes localized to the thoracic spine — intravertebral disc herniations where nucleus pulposus tissue protrudes vertically through the vertebral endplate into the cancellous bone of the vertebral body.
Schmorl's nodes localized to the thoracolumbar junction — the transitional zone where the lower thoracic spine meets the upper lumbar spine — representing vertical herniation of disc material through the vertebral endplate into the adjacent vertebral body.
M51.46 identifies Schmorl's nodes localized to the lumbar region — vertical disc herniations in which nucleus pulposus material protrudes through a vertebral endplate defect into the adjacent vertebral body.
Schmorl's nodes located at the lumbosacral intervertebral disc level, representing herniation of disc nuclear material through the vertebral endplate into the adjacent vertebral body.