Oth traum displ spondylolysis of second cervcal vert, init

This code signifies a fracture of the second cervical vertebra (C2) that has resulted in a forward slippage of one vertebral body over another (spondylolisthesis), which is not due to a pars interarticularis defect, and is displaced. The injury is traumatic in nature and is being treated for the first time with a closed fracture management approach.

Use this code for patients presenting with an acute, traumatic C2 fracture where imaging confirms displacement and spondylolisthesis, and the patient is receiving initial treatment without surgical intervention exposing the fracture site. Documentation should clearly state "displaced traumatic spondylolisthesis of C2" and specify "initial encounter" for closed treatment.

• Ensure documentation specifies "displaced" and "traumatic" to differentiate from non-displaced or congenital spondylolisthesis.
• Verify that the encounter is indeed the "initial encounter" for this specific fracture; subsequent encounters will require different seventh characters.
• Distinguish from fractures of the odontoid process or other parts of C2, as well as from spondylolisthesis due to degenerative causes.