2025 ICD-10-CM code S22.0
Fracture of thoracic vertebra.
Yes, the 7th character specifies the encounter type (initial, subsequent, sequela) and fracture type (open, closed).
Medical necessity for treatment depends on the specific fracture type, stability of the spine, and presence of neurological involvement.
Providers diagnose thoracic vertebra fractures based on patient history, physical examination, neurological tests (muscle strength, sensation, reflexes), and imaging (X-rays, CT, MRI). Treatment includes rest, medications (steroids, analgesics), physical therapy, and potentially surgery (vertebroplasty).
- Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)
- S22: Fracture of thoracic vertebra
In simple words: A thoracic vertebra fracture is a break in one of the bones in your mid-back. It can happen from accidents, falls, or conditions like osteoporosis and cancer. Sometimes, it can also affect the nerves in your spine.
Fracture of thoracic vertebra refers to a break or discontinuity in any of the twelve thoracic vertebrae (T1-T12). This can occur with or without neurological injury and may be due to trauma (e.g., motor vehicle accident, fall, sports injury) or a disease condition (e.g., osteoporosis, cancer).
Example 1: A 25-year-old male presents to the ER after a motor vehicle accident with severe back pain and limited mobility. Imaging reveals a fracture of the T5 vertebra., A 70-year-old female with osteoporosis falls at home and experiences sharp pain in her mid-back. X-rays confirm a compression fracture of the T8 vertebra., A 30-year-old athlete sustains a fracture of the T11 vertebra during a high-impact sporting event, resulting in neurological symptoms including numbness and tingling in the lower extremities.
Documentation should include details of the injury mechanism, physical exam findings (including neurological assessment), imaging results, and treatment plan.
** Excludes1: birth trauma (P10-P15), obstetric trauma (O70-O71). Excludes2: fracture of clavicle (S42.0-), fracture of scapula (S42.1-)
- Specialties:Orthopedic surgery, Neurosurgery, Emergency Medicine, Physical medicine and rehabilitation
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Office, Outpatient Hospital, Physical Therapist's Office