M46.33

Billable

Infection of intervertebral disc (pyogenic), cervicothoracic region

HCC Category Mapping

V28HCC 92 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis

0.209

V24HCC 39 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis

0.482

ESRDHCC 39 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis

0.000

What This Code Means

A bacterial infection of the intervertebral discs at the junction between the neck and upper back regions of the spine.

Coding Tips

•Verify the infection is specifically in the cervicothoracic discs and not isolated to cervical or thoracic regions
•Review imaging studies to confirm disc involvement and assess for any extension to adjacent vertebral bodies

Clinical Significance

Pyogenic disc infection at the cervicothoracic junction represents a complex clinical challenge due to unique anatomical considerations and potential for both cervical and thoracic complications. This location often requires specialized surgical approaches if conservative management fails.

Documentation Requirements

✓Specific cervicothoracic junction location (typically C7-T1)
✓Pyogenic bacterial etiology confirmation
✓Cross-sectional imaging demonstrating disc space infection
✓Assessment of both cervical and thoracic neurological function
✓Blood culture or tissue biopsy results
✓Response to antibiotic therapy over time
✓Any associated kyphosis or instability
✓Functional outcome measures

Commonly Confused Codes

M46.32 — Cervical region when infection limited to pure cervical spine M46.34 — Thoracic region when infection limited to pure thoracic spine M46.53 — Other infective spondylopathies same region when non-bacterial M40.03 — Postural kyphosis, cervicothoracic when structural deformity primary

Code Hierarchy

└M46Other inflammatory spondylopathies └M46.3Infection of intervertebral disc (pyogenic)└M46.33Infection of intervertebral disc (pyogenic), cervicothoracic region

└M46.33Infection of intervertebral disc (pyogenic), cervicothoracic region