What does ICD-10 code M43.1 mean?

ICD-10 code M43.1 is the standardized code used for spondylolisthesis in medical records and coding systems.

When is ICD-10 code M43.1 used?

Doctors, hospitals, and insurers may use ICD-10 code M43.1 when recording spondylolisthesis in a standardized format. This entry may also act as a broader category that points toward more specific child codes.

Does ICD-10 code M43.1 confirm a diagnosis?

No. A code helps standardize documentation and claims, but it should not be read as a substitute for a clinician's full assessment.

ICD10

ICD-10 Code M43.1: Spondylolisthesis

Name: ICD-10 Code M43.1: Spondylolisthesis
Creator: HealthAssure Clinical Team
Published: 2026-05-21T06:21:50.653Z

M43.1 is an ICD-10 diagnosis entry used to group records related to Spondylolisthesis. You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen. ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99).

Reviewed by HealthAssure Clinical TeamUpdated 21 May 2026

What is this code?

ICD-10 entries help standardize how diagnoses are organized for coding, reporting, analytics, and documentation. This code sits within the broader ICD-10 area for Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99).

When is it used?

May be used when a clinician documents spondylolisthesis in a patient's medical record.
May appear in hospital records, claims, referrals, and clinical documentation.
This code may act more like a grouping or parent code, so a more specific child code may be used in final documentation when available.

What it does not mean

A code alone does not explain severity, treatment plan, or outcome.
A medical code should not be treated as a substitute for a doctor's diagnosis or advice.
This entry may represent a broader category rather than the most specific billable code.

Code hierarchy

chapter

13Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99)

block

M40-M54Dorsopathies

block

M40-M43Deforming dorsopathies

Official coding notes

Excludes1 (do not code together)

acute traumatic of lumbosacral region (S33.1)
acute traumatic of sites other than lumbosacral- code to Fracture, vertebra, by region
congenital spondylolisthesis (Q76.2)

Where you may see this code

You may see this entry in coding references, medical records, or claims workflows when a broader diagnosis category is being reviewed before a more specific code is chosen.

Related specialists

Orthopedic SpecialistRheumatologist

Sibling codes

M43.0Spondylolysis M43.2Fusion of spine M43.3Recurrent atlantoaxial dislocation with myelopathybillable M43.4Other recurrent atlantoaxial dislocationbillable M43.5Other recurrent vertebral dislocation M43.6Torticollisbillable M43.8Other specified deforming dorsopathies M43.9Deforming dorsopathy, unspecifiedbillable

Coding guidelines

Compatibility

Legacy code aligns to an official FY 2026 category. Frontend should resolve to the official category page and surface the billable child codes.

Legacy codes

M43.1

Replacement codes

M43.10 — Spondylolisthesis, site unspecifiedM43.11 — Spondylolisthesis, occipito-atlanto-axial regionM43.12 — Spondylolisthesis, cervical regionM43.13 — Spondylolisthesis, cervicothoracic regionM43.14 — Spondylolisthesis, thoracic regionM43.15 — Spondylolisthesis, thoracolumbar regionM43.16 — Spondylolisthesis, lumbar regionM43.17 — Spondylolisthesis, lumbosacral regionM43.18 — Spondylolisthesis, sacral and sacrococcygeal regionM43.19 — Spondylolisthesis, multiple sites in spine

Common synonyms

Spondylolisthesis

Frequently asked questions

About this content

This page is prepared by HealthAssure's clinical team using official coding standards from ICD-10. AI tools assist with drafting explanations, which are then reviewed and verified by healthcare professionals for accuracy. This content is for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. Meet our team.