Find information on thoracic spinal stenosis diagnosis, including clinical documentation, ICD-10 codes (M48.07, G95.9), medical coding guidelines, and healthcare resources. Learn about symptoms, treatment options, and the role of diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT scan) in confirming thoracic spinal stenosis. This resource provides essential information for healthcare professionals, coders, and patients seeking to understand this condition.
Also known as
Spinal stenosis, thoracic region
Narrowing of the spinal canal in the chest area.
Other dorsopathies
Includes other disorders affecting the thoracic spine.
Central cord syndrome
May be a consequence of thoracic stenosis, impairing arm/hand function.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the thoracic spinal stenosis congenital?
Yes
Code Q76.1 Congenital spinal stenosis
No
Is there myelopathy?
When to use each related code
Description |
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Thoracic Spinal Stenosis |
Degenerative Disc Disease |
Thoracic Disc Herniation |
Patient presents with complaints consistent with thoracic spinal stenosis, including symptoms of thoracic myelopathy, neurogenic claudication, and radiculopathy. Onset of symptoms is reported as [gradual/acute/subacute] and began approximately [timeframe] ago. Patient describes [specific symptoms, e.g., pain, numbness, tingling, weakness] in the [location of symptoms, e.g., upper back, chest, abdomen, extremities]. Pain is characterized as [quality of pain, e.g., sharp, dull, burning, aching] and radiates to [location of radiating pain]. Symptoms are exacerbated by [exacerbating factors, e.g., walking, standing, bending, twisting] and relieved by [relieving factors, e.g., sitting, resting, medication]. Neurological examination reveals [objective findings, e.g., decreased sensation, muscle weakness, hyperreflexia, positive Babinski sign]. Differential diagnoses considered include degenerative disc disease, herniated thoracic disc, facet arthropathy, and thoracic spondylosis. Imaging studies, including thoracic spine MRI and or CT scan, were ordered to assess the degree of spinal canal narrowing and rule out other pathologies. Preliminary imaging findings suggest [imaging findings, e.g., narrowing of the thoracic spinal canal, compression of the spinal cord, disc herniation]. Assessment: Thoracic spinal stenosis with [severity, e.g., mild, moderate, severe] [type of stenosis, e.g., central, lateral recess, foraminal] compression at the level of [spinal level]. Plan: Conservative management will be initiated, including physical therapy, pain management with [medication, e.g., NSAIDs, neuropathic pain medications], and activity modification. Patient education provided regarding the condition and prognosis. Referral to a spine specialist will be considered if symptoms do not improve with conservative treatment or if neurological deficits worsen. Surgical intervention, such as thoracic laminectomy or decompression surgery, may be indicated if conservative measures fail to provide adequate relief. Follow-up scheduled in [timeframe] to assess response to treatment and further evaluate the patient's clinical status.