icd 10 code for fracture of odontoid

by Lowell Boyer 4 min read

Nondisplaced Type II dens fracture, initial encounter for open fracture. S12.112B is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2019 edition of ICD-10-CM S12.112B became effective on October 1, 2018.

Full Answer

What is a type I odontoid fracture?

A type I odontoid fracture occurs when the rostral tip of the odontoid process is avulsed (broken or torn off).  This injury commonly occurs due to pulling forces from the apical ligament attachment to the odontoid process. The apical ligament attaches the tip of the odontoid process to the foramen magnum (skull base).

What are the signs and symptoms of odontoid fractures?

Younger patients with an odontoid fracture typically have identifiable recent trauma (motor vehicle accident, sports-related impact, diving accident, fall from a height or downstairs).

What is the ICD 10 code for dens fracture?

2019 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code S12.11 Type II dens fracture Non-Billable/Non-Specific Code Code History Reimbursement claims with a date of service on or after October 1, 2015 require the use of ICD-10-CM codes.

What is the initial care for an odontoid fracture of the spine?

Odontoid fractures most often occur as a result of trauma to the cervical spine. Patients are often younger. The clinicians must work together in a coordinated approach to care that minimizes the risk of further injury. Trauma nurses are responsible for cervical spine immobilization. Radiologists review x-rays and scans.

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What is a odontoid fracture?

Odontoid = A peg-like part of the second bone in the neck. Fracture = A break in a bone. A type II odontoid fracture is a break that occurs through a specific part of C2, the second bone in the neck. Bones of the spine are called vertebrae.

What is the ICD 10 code for type 2 odontoid fracture?

ICD-10-CM Code for Posterior displaced Type II dens fracture S12. 111.

Is Odontoid a C1 or C2?

The odontoid process is a unique peg-like bony structure of the C2 (second cervical) vertebra in the neck that physicians sometimes refer to as the dens (Fig. 1). Odontoid fractures can happen at any age, but the injury occurs most often in adolescents or older patients.

What is the ICD 10 code for type 3 odontoid fracture?

S12. 14XS is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2022 edition of ICD-10-CM S12. 14XS became effective on October 1, 2021.

What is the ICD-10 code for C2 fracture?

ICD-10 Code for Unspecified nondisplaced fracture of second cervical vertebra, initial encounter for closed fracture- S12. 101A- Codify by AAPC.

Where is the Odontoid peg?

second cervical vertebraThe odontoid process (also dens or odontoid peg) is a protuberance (process or projection) of the Axis (second cervical vertebra). It exhibits a slight constriction or neck, where it joins the main body of the vertebra.

What is a Type 1 odontoid fracture?

A type I odontoid fracture occurs when the rostral tip of the odontoid process is avulsed (broken or torn off). This injury commonly occurs due to pulling forces from the apical ligament attachment to the odontoid process. The apical ligament attaches the tip of the odontoid process to the foramen magnum (skull base).

What is the most common odontoid fracture?

Type II fractures occur at the base of the dens and are the most common odontoid fractures. This type is associated with a high prevalence of nonunion due to the limited vascular supply and small area of cancellous bone. Type III odontoid fracture occurs when the fracture line extends into the body of the axis.

What is a C1 fracture?

A Jefferson fracture is another name for a bone fracture of the front and back arches of the C1 vertebra. The C1 vertebra is the top one, closest to your skull. C1 fractures represent about 2 percent of all vertebral fractures, according to a 2013 review.

Which bone contains the Odontoid?

The odontoid process, also known as the dens, is an upward projectile of bone that arises from the front part of the center of the axis vertebra. (The axis is the 2nd highest spinal bone.) The atlas is the first bone of your neck; it sits on top of the axis. (The skull sits on top of the atlas.)

What is the ICD 10 code for nasal fracture?

ICD-10 code S02. 2XXA for Fracture of nasal bones, initial encounter for closed fracture is a medical classification as listed by WHO under the range - Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes .

What is a C2 fracture?

A hangman's fracture is a break in the second vertebra of your neck, called the C2, or axis. This bone forms a ring around your spinal cord. A hangman's fracture occurs on both sides of this bone. Despite its gruesome name, a hangman's fracture is rarely caused by hangings.

What is the ICd 10 code for displaced dens fracture?

Other displaced dens fracture, subsequent encounter for fracture with routine healing 1 S12.120D is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. 2 Short description: Oth displaced dens fracture, subs for fx w routn heal 3 The 2021 edition of ICD-10-CM S12.120D became effective on October 1, 2020. 4 This is the American ICD-10-CM version of S12.120D - other international versions of ICD-10 S12.120D may differ.

When will the ICD-10-CM S12.120D be released?

The 2022 edition of ICD-10-CM S12.120D became effective on October 1, 2021.

What is the ICD code for a hangman's fracture?

The ICD code S121 is used to code Hangman's fracture. A hangman's fracture is the colloquial name given to a fracture of both pedicles or pars interarticularis of the axis vertebra (C2) (or epistropheus). Specialty:

What is the ICD code for acute care?

Use a child code to capture more detail. ICD Code S12.11 is a non-billable code.

What causes odontoid fractures?

Odontoid fractures occur as a result of trauma to the cervical spine. In younger patients, they are typically the result of high-energy trauma, which occurs as a result of motor vehicle or diving accidents. In the elderly population, the trauma can occur after lower energy impacts such as falls from a standing position. The most common mechanism of injury is a hyperextension of the cervical spine, pushing the head and C1 vertebrae backward.  If the energy mechanism and resulting force are high enough (or the patient's bone density is compromised secondary to osteopenia/osteoporosis), the odontoid will fracture with varying displacement and degrees of comminution.

What is the best treatment for a type II odontoid fracture?

If the patient has certain risk factors for nonunion, then posterior instrumentation may provide the best treatment option for a type II odontoid fracture. The risk factors include:

What is a C2 fracture?

Fractures of the second cervical vertebrae (C2) are the most common cervical spine injuries in the elderly population. The most common type of C2 fracture is a fracture to its odontoid process (or dens).  Odontoid fractures demonstrate a biphasic distribution with peak incidence rates reported in younger patients (ages 20 to 30 years) secondary to high energy mechanisms (i.e., motor vehicle accident), followed by elderly patient populations (ages 70 to 80 years) secondary to compromised bone density and low energy impact falls.

How long does it take for an odontoid fracture to heal?

Most consider a type I odontoid fracture a stable fracture and treat for six to 12 weeks in a rigid cervical orthosis (hard cervical collar). Some have suggested that rarely a type I odontoid fracture may be unstable secondary to more extensive and unrecognized ligamentous injury, and flexion/extension x-rays should be obtained at the time of removal of the cervical collar after six to 12 weeks to ensure cervical stability.

What is the odontoid process?

The odontoid process, or dens, is a superior projecting bony element from the second cervical vertebrae (C2, or the axis). The first cervical vertebrae (atlas) rotates around the odontoid process to provide the largest single component of lateral rotation of the cervical spine. Fracture of the odontoid process is classified into one of three types, which are type I, type II, or type III fractures, depending on the location and morphology of the fracture.[1]

What is the best imaging modality for odontoid fracture?

The imaging modality of choice is a CT of the cervical spine. The CT provides the best resolution of the bony elements allowing for identification and characterization of an odontoid fracture. If there is neurologic injury (paresthesia, weakness), then magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) without contrast of the cervical spine should be obtained to assess the cervical cord for injuries.

Which part of the odontoid process has a separate ossification center?

The rostral tip of the odontoid process has a separate ossification center during development from the remaining odontoid process. When the two ossification centers fail to fuse, there can be a persistent gap between the odontoid process and the tip of the odontoid process, which can mimic a type I odontoid fracture.

What is a type II odontoid fracture?

A type II odontoid fracture is a break that occurs through a specific part of C2, the second bone in the neck.

What type of fracture is most commonly found in younger patients?

Type II odontoid fractures can also occur in younger patients, most commonly as the result of trauma from a motor vehicle accident.

What type of fracture is the peg of the bone broken?

In an odontoid fracture, that peg of bone is broken. In a Type I odontoid fracture, just the tip of the bone is broken. In a Type II fracture, the most common type, the peg is broken at its base. In a Type III fracture, the bone is broken below the base of the peg.

What is the name of the bone that sticks up from the front of C2?

One of the unique features of this joint is a peg of bone called the odontoid process (sometimes called the dens ). It is about the size of the tip of a pinky finger. The odontoid process sticks up from the front of C2 and fits into a groove in C1.

Is a fracture stable or unstable?

Some fractures are considered stable, and some are unstable . In a stable fracture, the bone does not move out of its normal anatomical position and alignment. A stable fracture may “set” and heal itself. In an unstable fracture, the bone is more likely to move out of its normal position and alignment. Type II fractures are considered the least stable of the odontoid fractures. This makes them the most likely to require surgery.

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