Juvenile ankylosing spondylitis

This code identifies a chronic inflammatory arthropathy primarily affecting the spine and sacroiliac joints, with onset occurring before the age of 16. It is characterized by progressive stiffness and pain, often leading to fusion of the vertebrae. This condition is a subtype of spondyloarthritis.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of ankylosing spondylitis with an onset during childhood or adolescence. Supporting clinical notes should detail symptoms such as back pain, stiffness, and limited spinal mobility that began before the patient's 16th birthday.

• Do not use this code for patients diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis after their 16th birthday; refer to codes in category M45.0-.
• Ensure the physician's documentation explicitly states "juvenile" or "childhood onset" ankylosing spondylitis to support this specific code.
• Consider additional codes for associated manifestations, such as uveitis or inflammatory bowel disease, if documented.