Oth infective spondylopathies, occipito-atlanto-axial region

This code describes an infection of the spine affecting the occiput, atlas (C1), and axis (C2) vertebrae, excluding tuberculosis or other specified infectious spondylopathies. This condition involves inflammation and potential destruction of these upper cervical vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs due to an infectious agent.

Use this code when documentation specifies an infectious spondylopathy localized to the occipito-atlanto-axial region, and the specific infectious organism is not otherwise classified (e.g., not tuberculous). This applies to bacterial, fungal, or viral infections of these specific spinal segments. Documentation should clearly indicate the infectious nature and the precise anatomical location.

• Ensure documentation specifies "infective" and not merely inflammatory or degenerative spondylopathy.
• Always code the underlying infectious agent (e.g., B95.x, B96.x) as a secondary diagnosis when known.
• Distinguish from M49.0x (Tuberculous spondylitis) or M49.1x (Brucellar spondylitis), which have their own specific codes.