M51.27 – Other intervertebral disc displacement, lumbosacral region

M51.27 – Other intervertebral disc displacement, lumbosacral region

The M51.27 is an ICD code that’s included in the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM, for short), and it is used to designate “Other intervertebral disc displacement, lumbosacral region.”

Disc displacement means that one (or more, but hopefully not) disc in the spine is popped out of place and is no longer aligned with the spine. If it gets displaced, it can’t perform its function as a shock absorber between the vertebrae it was attached to. This will result in pain in whatever region the disc is from because it no longer cushions anything when you perform daily activities, especially ones that involve lifting. In the case of this ICD-10 code, the displaced disc is from the lumbosacral region of the spine.

Is the M51.27 billable?

Yes, the M51.27 ICD code is billable and can be used to designate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

M51.27 clinical information

Disc displacement is a serious condition. If left untreated for too long, the pain will become chronic. It will severely impact a person’s ability to perform activities of daily living and other activities they usually do, especially ones they enjoy. Given this, this should be treated with utmost urgency.

If you have a patient who complains about aches in their lower back, ask them if they have the following symptoms:

• Pain that becomes more painful as time passes
• Reduced mobility
• Stiffness in the back, especially in the lumbosacral region
• Numbness in the lumbosacral region
• Weakness in their muscles
• Muscle spasms

If they have a good number of these, there’s a good chance that an intervertebral disc in the lumbosacral region has been displaced. To confirm if a disc has been displaced, you should conduct a comprehensive examination. If you’re using physical examination techniques, do remember to be gentle. If they have a displaced disc, you don’t want to add more to the pain than necessary. Imaging tests should confirm it.

Once the diagnosis has been made, a treatment plan can be implemented. What goes into it will depend on the severity of the displacement and the pain the patient feels. If it’s mild to moderate, pain medication, muscle relaxants, ice and heat compress, exercise, rest, and physical therapy can help manage it. If it’s severe, then surgery might be the best bet.

M51.27 synonyms include

• Lumbar disc displacement
• Lumbosacral disc displacement
• Disc displacement in the lumbar region
• Disc displacement in the lumbosacral region
• Intervertebral disc displacement in the lumbar region
• Intervertebral disc displacement in the lumbosacral region

Other ICD-10 codes commonly used for intervertebral disc displacement

• M51.2 - Other thoracic, thoracolumbar and lumbosacral intervertebral disc displacement
• M51.24 - Other intervertebral disc displacement, thoracic region
• M51.25 - Other intervertebral disc displacement, thoracolumbar region
• M51.26 - Other intervertebral disc displacement, lumbar region