M53.2X1 Spinal instabilities, occipito-atlanto-axial region

Billable ICD-10-CM code, FY2026.

MS-DRG index

Defines the logic of DRG(s) 564-566 in MDC 08.

Approximate ICD-9-CM (GEMs)

• 718.88 Other joint derangement, not elsewhere classified, other specified sites (approximate)

Code annotations containing back-references to M53.2X1

Back-references to M53.2

• Type 2 Excludes: M25.3 Other instability of joint ("spinal instabilities (M53.2-)")

Back-references to M53

• Type 1 Excludes: G55 Nerve root and plexus compressions in diseases classified elsewhere ("nerve root compression (due to) (in) dorsopathies (M53.-, M54.-)")

Nearby codes

• M53 Other and unspecified dorsopathies, not elsewhere classified
• M53.0 Cervicocranial syndrome
• M53.1 Cervicobrachial syndrome
• M53.2 Spinal instabilities
• M53.2X Spinal instabilities
• M53.2X1 Spinal instabilities, occipito-atlanto-axial region (this code)
• M53.2X2 Spinal instabilities, cervical region
• M53.2X3 Spinal instabilities, cervicothoracic region
• M53.2X4 Spinal instabilities, thoracic region
• M53.2X5 Spinal instabilities, thoracolumbar region
• M53.2X6 Spinal instabilities, lumbar region