Ankylosing vertebral hyperostosis

This code describes diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), a non-inflammatory arthropathy characterized by ossification of ligaments and entheses, primarily affecting the anterior longitudinal ligament of the spine. It results in bridging osteophytes across multiple contiguous vertebral segments, leading to spinal stiffness and reduced range of motion.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of ankylosing vertebral hyperostosis or DISH, often identified through imaging studies showing characteristic flowing ossification along the anterior spine. It is appropriate for patients presenting with spinal stiffness, pain, or dysphagia due to anterior cervical osteophytes.

• Differentiate from ankylosing spondylitis (720.0), which is an inflammatory arthropathy with sacroiliac joint involvement and syndesmophytes, not diffuse flowing ossification.
• Ensure documentation specifies "hyperostosis" or "DISH" rather than general degenerative disc disease (722.x) or spondylosis (721.x without hyperostosis).
• Consider additional codes for associated symptoms or complications, such as dysphagia (787.2x) if present and documented as related.