F33.2 - Major depressive disorder, recurrent severe without psychotic features

Clinical Definition

Non-traumatic atlantoaxial subluxation refers to an abnormal misalignment or partial dislocation between the first (atlas/C1) and second (axis/C2) cervical vertebrae. This condition can be caused by inflammatory conditions, congenital disorders, or degenerative changes.

Documentation Requirements

• Must specify:

  • Acuity (acute vs. chronic)

  • Location explicitly as "atlantoaxial"

  • Presence/absence of myelopathy

  • Underlying cause if known (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)

  • Any associated neurological deficits

• Cannot be coded with:

  • Traumatic atlantoaxial dislocation

  • General cervical subluxation without atlantoaxial specificity

Common Synonyms

• "Upper neck instability"

• "C1-C2 slippage"

• "Rotary subluxation"

• "Atlantoaxial instability"

Coding Conflicts

• Excludes1: Traumatic atlantoaxial dislocation (S13.121)

• Cannot be coded with general cervical spine disorders without specifying atlantoaxial involvement

• Must differentiate from other upper cervical pathologies

Scribing.io Automation

The AI scribe automatically detects and captures:

• Keywords indicating atlantoaxial location

• Terminology suggesting non-traumatic etiology

• Associated neurological findings

• Qualifying terms about stability/instability

• Related diagnostic imaging findings

• Links to underlying conditions when documented

The system flags incomplete documentation when missing critical elements like acuity or specific anatomical location.