ICD-Code Q76.0: Spina bifida occulta
The spine is not properly closed.
When the spine is not properly closed it is also known as open back or spina bifida. This deformity is congenital.
The vertebrae form the spinal canal on the rear of the spinal column. The spinal cord runs in the spinal canal. Nerve fibers run from the brain into the body via the spinal cord and form nerves there. Every nerve is responsible for a particular part of the skin and for certain muscles. These nerves are important for instance in enabling you to feel and move the muscles.The spinal cord is surrounded by protective membranes in the vertebral canal.
The spinal canal forms during development in the womb. For various reasons the vertebral canal may not form properly and may remain open in certain places. With this defect, the protective membranes have formed normally and are closed. The muscles and skin are usually also normal in people with this defect. There may be unusual hair growth or skin coloration in the affected area.
Additional indicator
On medical documents, the ICD code is often appended by letters that indicate the diagnostic certainty or the affected side of the body.
- G: Confirmed diagnosis
- V: Tentative diagnosis
- Z: Condition after
- A: Excluded diagnosis
- L: Left
- R: Right
- B: Both sides
Note
This information is not intended for self-diagnosis and does not replace professional medical advice from a doctor. If you find an ICD code on a personal medical document, please also note the additional indicator used for diagnostic confidence.Your doctor will assist you with any health-related questions and explain the ICD diagnosis code to you in a direct consultation if necessary.
Source
The explanation of the ICD code was provided by the non-profit organization “Was hab’ ich?” gemeinnützige GmbH on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Health (BMG).