A diffuse disc bulge means a disc in the neck or spinal cord is outside of the space it should be normally. Facet joint arthropathy refers to a degenerative disease that affect the cartilage. Diffuse disc bulge along with facet joint anthropathy results in serious disabling health issues.
There is generalised affection of the facet joints. Anatomist call those joints as zygapophyseal joints.
The facet joints are located in the spinal canal. Bilateral facet arthropathy is arthritis in the facet joints of the back.
The ICD-9 code for lumbar facet arthropathy is 721.3. Lumbar facet arthropathy is a degenerative condition of the lumbar facet joints in the spine which shows arthritic changes.
A diffuse disc bulge refers to a condition where the intervertebral disc protrudes outward evenly around its circumference, which can encroach on surrounding structures. Mild facet arthropathy indicates degenerative changes in the facet joints, which can contribute to spinal instability or discomfort. The borderline anteroposterior (AP) dimension of the thecal sac measuring 10 mm suggests that the space available for the spinal cord and nerve roots is slightly reduced, potentially leading to symptoms like pain or neurological issues. Overall, this combination may result in increased pressure on neural structures, causing pain or functional limitations.
uncovertbral arthropathy at c4-5
means your discs are sticking outside the vertebrates but its not bad but can worsen depending on your daily activities and hobbies. And also can cause pinched nerves (NO FUN AT ALL!!!)the T means thoracic and it is in the middle of your back
Moderate facet arthropathy is Arthritis in the facet joints. Most people that have this will complain of pain in their lower back. Facet joints are joint structures that connect the vertebrae to each other.
what does moderate facet arthropathy l5-s1 mean
L4-5 small broad-based annular disc bulge refers to a slight protrusion of the disc material between the fourth and fifth lumbar vertebrae in the lower back, which can occur with aging or degeneration. Mild facet arthropathy indicates early signs of arthritis in the facet joints that help stabilize the spine. Together, these findings may cause mild discomfort or stiffness but are often manageable with conservative treatment. It's advisable to consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and guidance.
what does bilateral facet arthropathy mean
A broad-based posterior disc bulge refers to a condition where the intervertebral disc extends outward over a wide area at the back of the spine, potentially compressing nearby nerves or the spinal cord. Moderate posterior facet arthropathy indicates degeneration or inflammation of the facet joints at the back of the vertebrae, which can cause pain and stiffness in the spine. Together, these conditions can lead to discomfort and reduced mobility, often seen in older adults or those with degenerative spinal changes. Treatment typically focuses on pain relief and improving function through physical therapy, medications, or other interventions.
Problem - There is no ICD-9-CM entry for Facet Arthropathy, so you must become Sherlock Holmes, and investigate. Investigation #1 - The ICD-9-CM Index directs those seeking "Arthropathy" to 716.9x, so you would code Facet Arthropathy as 716.98. This is a non-specific code. Investigation #2 - Arthropathy is defined as "Disease of a joint". If you look up "Disease, joint, spine" in the ICD-9-CM Index, you are directed to the 721.x Spondylosis codes. You can achieve a greater level of specificity with this code. Conclusion - A common diagnosis for Facet Joint Injections is Facet Arthropathy. Some states have Medicare LCDs for the Facet procedure, and they accept 721.x as a diagnosis, but not 716.98. Since you want to get paid, go with 721.x. Caution! In ICD9-CM, at the beginning of Chapter 13 you will see that codes 710-719 exclude disorders of the spine (720-724.9). I would not use 716.98.