Infantile idiopathic scoliosis, lumbar region

This code signifies an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, specifically in the lumbar region, that develops before the age of three years without an identifiable underlying cause. It is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning other potential causes of scoliosis have been ruled out.

Assign this code when documentation confirms a diagnosis of idiopathic scoliosis in an infant, with the curvature explicitly located in the lumbar spine. Supporting documentation should include the patient's age at diagnosis (under 3 years old) and the exclusion of congenital, neuromuscular, or syndromic causes.

• Ensure the patient's age at onset is clearly documented as infantile (0-3 years) to differentiate from juvenile or adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
• Verify the specific spinal region affected is lumbar; avoid using this code for thoracic or thoracolumbar involvement.
• Always look for documentation ruling out secondary causes of scoliosis before assigning an idiopathic code.