ICD-10 and ICD-11 Codes for L5 Disc Herniation
For a small central right-sided L5 intervertebral disc herniation without S1 nerve root compression, the appropriate ICD-10 code is M51.26 (Other intervertebral disc displacement, lumbar region).
ICD-10 Coding
- M51.26 is the correct code for lumbar disc displacement/herniation at the L5 level 1
- This code encompasses disc herniations in the lumbar region without specification of nerve root compression 1
- The code applies regardless of whether the herniation is central, paracentral, or lateral in location 1
Key Coding Considerations
- M51.26 is used when there is documented disc herniation on imaging (such as MRI) at the lumbar level 1
- If radiculopathy or nerve root compression were present, M51.16 (Intervertebral disc disorders with radiculopathy, lumbar region) would be more appropriate, but this is explicitly excluded in your scenario 1
- The laterality (right-sided) and size (small) are clinical descriptors that do not change the primary ICD-10 code 1
ICD-11 Coding
- The ICD-11 equivalent code is FA11.2 (Intervertebral disc disorders of lumbar region)
- ICD-11 provides more granular subcategories, but the primary code for lumbar disc displacement without radiculopathy remains FA11.2
Clinical Context
- More than 90% of symptomatic lumbar disc herniations occur at L4/L5 and L5/S1 levels 2
- The absence of S1 nerve root compression means this patient does not have radiculopathy, which would manifest as foot plantarflexion weakness, ankle reflex loss, or sensory changes in the S1 distribution 2
- Approximately 90% of patients with lumbar disc herniation do not require surgery within one year of diagnosis when managed conservatively 1