The portal uses cookies to provide service functions such as “Bookmark” and to improve website usage. Information and opt-out options can be found in the cookie settings in the privacy policy.

Search

M43.21: Other fusion of spine Occipito-atlanto-axial region

Vertebrae at the junction between your head and your cervical spine have fused.

The spine consists of several sections. The cervical spine begins below the head. The cervical spine is very mobile. Below that is the thoracic spine. The ribs are attached to the thoracic spine. Below the thoracic spine is the lumbar spine. The lumbar spine is also very mobile and it bears a large part of the body’s weight. After the lumbar spine, the sacrum and coccyx join.

Vertebrae can become fused, for example due to inflammations or through wear and tear. This can result in scars that restrict movement. The bones in the vertebrae may also grow too much so that they impede movement. When vertebrae become completely fused it becomes impossible to move the affected part of the spine. You may also have pain.

Additional indicator

On medical documents, the ICD code is often appended by letters that indicate the diagnostic certainty or the affected side of the body.

  • G: Confirmed diagnosis
  • V: Tentative diagnosis
  • Z: Condition after
  • A: Excluded diagnosis
  • L: Left
  • R: Right
  • B: Both sides

Further information

Note

This information is not intended for self-diagnosis and does not replace professional medical advice from a doctor. If you find an ICD code on a personal medical document, please also note the additional indicator used for diagnostic confidence.
Your doctor will assist you with any health-related questions and explain the ICD diagnosis code to you in a direct consultation if necessary.

Source

Provided by the non-profit organization “Was hab’ ich?” gemeinnützige GmbH on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG).