ICD10
ICD-10 Code M48.5: Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified
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 collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified 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
M45-M49Spondylopathies
category
M48Other spondylopathies
currentM48
Official coding notes
Inclusion terms
- Collapsed vertebra NOS
- Compression fracture of vertebra NOS
- Wedging of vertebra NOS
Excludes1 (do not code together)
- current injury - see Injury of spine, by body region
- fatigue fracture of vertebra (M48.4)
- pathological fracture of vertebra due to neoplasm (M84.58)
- pathological fracture of vertebra due to other diagnosis (M84.68)
- pathological fracture of vertebra due to osteoporosis (M80.-)
- pathological fracture NOS (M84.4-)
- stress fracture of vertebra (M48.4-)
- traumatic fracture of vertebra (S12.-, S22.-, S32.-)
7th character notes
- The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from subcategory M48.5:
- initial encounter for fracture
- subsequent encounter for fracture with routine healing
- subsequent encounter for fracture with delayed healing
- sequela of fracture
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
Related codes
M48.50Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, site unspecifiedcodeM48.51Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, occipito-atlanto-axial regioncodeM48.52Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, cervical regioncodeM48.53Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, cervicothoracic regioncodeM48.54Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, thoracic regioncodeM48.55Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, thoracolumbar regioncodeM48.56Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, lumbar regioncodeM48.57Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, lumbosacral regioncodeM48.58Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, sacral and sacrococcygeal regioncode
Sibling codes
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
M48.5
Replacement codes
M48.50 — Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, site unspecifiedM48.51 — Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, occipito-atlanto-axial regionM48.52 — Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, cervical regionM48.53 — Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, cervicothoracic regionM48.54 — Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, thoracic regionM48.55 — Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, thoracolumbar regionM48.56 — Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, lumbar regionM48.57 — Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, lumbosacral regionM48.58 — Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified, sacral and sacrococcygeal region
Common synonyms
Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classified
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.