Spinal enthesopathy, thoracic region

This code represents inflammation or degeneration at the insertion points of tendons, ligaments, or joint capsules into bone within the thoracic spine. It signifies a painful condition affecting the entheses in the mid-back region, often leading to localized pain and stiffness.

Use this code when documentation specifies enthesopathy affecting the thoracic vertebrae. This diagnosis is typically supported by clinical findings of localized tenderness at entheseal sites, imaging studies showing entheseal changes, and exclusion of other spinal pathologies.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "enthesopathy" and the "thoracic region."
• Do not confuse with general back pain codes or codes for disc disorders unless explicitly documented as co-existing.
• Consider sequencing this code after a more specific underlying systemic inflammatory condition (e.g., spondyloarthropathy) if applicable.