M43.8X1 Other specified deforming dorsopathies, occipito-atlanto-axial region

Billable ICD-10-CM code, FY2026.

Applies from M43 Other deforming dorsopathies

Excludes1 (never code together)

• congenital spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis (Q76.2)
• hemivertebra (Q76.3-Q76.4)
• Klippel-Feil syndrome (Q76.1)
• lumbarization and sacralization (Q76.4)
• platyspondylisis (Q76.4)
• spina bifida occulta (Q76.0)
• spinal curvature in osteoporosis (M80.-)
• spinal curvature in Paget's disease of bone [osteitis deformans] (M88.-)

Applies from M43.8 Other specified deforming dorsopathies

Excludes2 (not included here)

• kyphosis and lordosis (M40.-)
• scoliosis (M41.-)

MS-DRG index

Defines the logic of DRG(s) 551-552 in MDC 08.

Approximate ICD-9-CM (GEMs)

• 737.8 Other curvatures of spine (approximate)
• 737.9 Unspecified curvature of spine (approximate)

Code annotations containing back-references to M43.8X1

Back-references to M43

• Type 2 Excludes: M95 Other acquired deformities of musculoskeletal system and connective tissue ("deforming dorsopathies (M40-M43)")

Nearby codes

• M43.5X8 Other recurrent vertebral dislocation, sacral and sacrococcygeal region
• M43.5X9 Other recurrent vertebral dislocation, site unspecified
• M43.6 Torticollis
• M43.8 Other specified deforming dorsopathies
• M43.8X Other specified deforming dorsopathies
• M43.8X1 Other specified deforming dorsopathies, occipito-atlanto-axial region (this code)
• M43.8X2 Other specified deforming dorsopathies, cervical region
• M43.8X3 Other specified deforming dorsopathies, cervicothoracic region
• M43.8X4 Other specified deforming dorsopathies, thoracic region
• M43.8X5 Other specified deforming dorsopathies, thoracolumbar region
• M43.8X6 Other specified deforming dorsopathies, lumbar region