Neuromuscular scoliosis, occipito-atlanto-axial region

This code describes a type of scoliosis resulting from a neuromuscular disorder, specifically affecting the upper cervical spine (occiput, atlas, and axis). This curvature is secondary to underlying neurological or muscular conditions that impair spinal support and control in this region.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of scoliosis caused by a neuromuscular condition, and the primary curvature is located in the occipito-atlanto-axial region. This typically applies to patients with conditions such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spinal muscular atrophy who develop scoliosis in the upper neck.

• Always sequence the underlying neuromuscular disorder code first, as M41.41 is a manifestation code.
• Ensure documentation specifies "neuromuscular" etiology and the "occipito-atlanto-axial" location of the scoliosis.
• Do not confuse with idiopathic scoliosis or scoliosis due to congenital malformations; these have different code categories.