ICD-10 Code for Lumbar Spondylolisthesis: Understanding Diagnosis and Classification

The first step on the road to recovery for any condition, including lumbar spondylolisthesis, is an accurate diagnosis. While the accessibility of online medical information has led some people to avidly self-diagnose, we need to rely on medical professionals to make correct diagnoses after a thorough evaluation. Nonetheless, understanding how lumbar spondylolisthesis is diagnosed and classified can empower you to take an active, involved role as the patient. 

Keep reading to learn more about the ICD-10 code for lumbar spondylolisthesis, and how physicians accurately diagnose this condition. 

What Is the ICD-10 Code for Spondylolisthesis of the Lumbar Spine?

The ICD-10 code for spondylolisthesis of the lumbar spine is M43.16. M43.1 is the general code for spondylolisthesis, while M43.16 specifically indicates spondylolisthesis of the lumbar region. The ICD-10 code varies depending on the region of the spine affected by spondylolisthesis. 

ICD-10 codes represent a regulated system used to classify medical diseases, conditions, and procedures. It’s an acronym for the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision. Physicians and other healthcare professionals use ICD-10 codes for various reasons, including:

  • Diagnosing medical conditions in patients
  • Finding and tracking clinical trial participants
  • Classifying diagnoses and procedures for processing healthcare claims
  • Coding causes of death for mortality statistics and death certificates

As a patient, it’s important to rely on a licensed healthcare professional to accurately diagnose your spondylolisthesis symptoms. While the Internet provides a plethora of medical information that may help you better understand your symptoms, only a trained physician can dependably evaluate your conditions to provide a proper diagnosis. 

What Is the Classification of Spondylolisthesis?

The classification of spondylolisthesis depends on whether you use the Meyerding or Wilste classification system. While the Meyerding classification system is more common, both can be used to evaluate spondylolisthesis grades. 

Meyerding Classification of Spondylolisthesis 

The Meyerding classification system is widely lauded for its reliability and ease of use. It uses five spondylolisthesis grades based on the degree of vertebral slip, as determined by lateral radiographs of the lumbar spine. 

  • Grade I: 0% to 25%
  • Grade II: 25% to 50%
  • Grade III: 50% to 74%
  • Grade IV: 75% to 100%
  • Grade V: Greater than 100%, also known as spondyloptosis

In general, grades I and II are categorized as low-slip, while grades II, IV, and V are high-slip. 

Wilste Classification of Spondylolisthesis

The Wilste classification system evaluates the cause of the vertebral slip involved in spondylolisthesis. Unlike the Meyerding system, it doesn’t evaluate the condition’s severity. 

The six major etiologies, or causes, included in the Wilste system are:

  • Type 1: Dysplastic or congenital spondylolisthesis is caused by a spinal defect that’s present at birth. It’s rare compared to other forms of spondylolisthesis. 
  • Type 2: Isthmicspondylolisthesis is caused by defects in the pars interarticularis—the small piece of bone that connects the spinal vertebrae. This type has three subtypes:
    • Subtype A, or lytic, is related to a stress fracture and usually results from repetitive twisting or extension
    • Subtype B, or elongated pars, results from repetitive fractures and healing, causing the pars interarticularis to lengthen. 
    • Subtype C, or acute pars fracture, is a rare etiology related to a single event, like a traumatic blow to the spine.
  • Type 3: Degenerative spondylolisthesis is caused by degenerative spinal changes and doesn’t involve a pars interarticularis defect. Spinal disc degeneration and facet joint arthritis are the most common factors contributing to this etiology. 
  • Type 4: Traumatic spondylolisthesis is caused by a pars interarticularis or facet joint fracture, often from a traumatic injury. 
  • Type 5: Pathologic spondylolisthesis is caused by systemic conditions that compromise the spine’s structural integrity, like an infection.  
  • Type 6: Iatrogenic spondylolisthesis is a possible consequence of spinal surgery and often occurs in patients who have previously undergone laminectomy. 

How to Diagnose Spondylolisthesis?

To diagnose spondylolisthesis, your doctor will conduct a thorough evaluation including a symptom review, medical history, physical exam, neurological exam, and imaging. 

Symptom Review and Medical History

At the beginning of your appointment, your physician will talk to you about your symptoms and gather a complete medical history. This will help your doctor understand whether a slipped vertebra is triggering your symptoms, and if an underlying condition could be to blame. Your medical history can also help your doctor determine whether a previous surgery, injury, or lifestyle factors could be contributing to the issue. 

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Physical Evaluation

Next up, your doctor will complete a physical exam to identify what’s causing your symptoms. They may press against the spine to identify any tenderness and gently move your legs to see if certain positions trigger discomfort. Your physician may have you walk around, bend over, or complete other basic movements to evaluate the condition’s effect on your motion and balance. 

Neurological Exam

This portion of the exam helps your physician pinpoint possible nerve damage. They may use a little hammer to identify abnormal nerve reflexes—a sign of spinal nerve impingement. 

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests are a definitive way to diagnose and evaluate lumbar spondylolisthesis. Typically, the doctor starts with an X-ray, which will show whether or not a vertebra slipped out of its normal position. It can also display the severity of the slippage and whether it’s affecting adjacent bones. 

Often, an X-ray is the only imaging test required to diagnose lumbar spondylolisthesis. However, your physician may request a CT or MRI scan to gain more information about potential pars interarticularis fractures or nerve compression. 

  • A CT scan uses both X-rays and a computer to generate cross-sectional, 3D spinal images. It can be used to view pars interarticularis fractures. 
  • MRIs use radio waves and a strong magnet to generate detailed images of the body. They’re helpful for evaluating the condition of soft tissues, like nerves, that don’t appear in detail on X-rays. 

If you’re struggling with chronic lower back pain and nerve symptoms, like tingling, numbness, or weakness, it’s time to see a doctor for a formal diagnosis. Contact a spine specialist in your area to schedule an appointment as soon as possible, as early diagnosis is the key to a successful spondylolisthesis recovery.