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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS22.081

S22.081

Billable

Stable burst fracture of T11-T12 vertebra

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/23/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S22.081 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of stable burst fracture of t11-t12 vertebra.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A stable burst fracture of the T11-T12 vertebra occurs when there is a fracture of the vertebral body that results in the vertebra breaking into multiple pieces but does not lead to spinal instability or neurological compromise. This type of fracture is often caused by high-energy trauma, such as falls or motor vehicle accidents, and can be associated with other thoracic injuries, including rib fractures, pneumothorax, and hemothorax. Patients may present with localized pain, tenderness, and limited mobility. Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays or CT scans, is essential for confirming the diagnosis and assessing the extent of the injury. Treatment typically involves conservative management, including pain control and physical therapy, although surgical intervention may be necessary in cases where there is significant displacement or associated injuries. Monitoring for complications, such as respiratory distress due to associated thoracic injuries, is crucial in the management of these patients.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between stable and unstable fractures
  • Identifying associated thoracic injuries
  • Understanding the implications of spinal stability
  • Navigating documentation requirements for trauma cases

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture stability
  • Failure to document associated injuries
  • Misclassification of fracture type
  • Lack of imaging reports to support diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes, imaging results, and post-operative care plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical intervention for unstable fractures, management of complications.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clarity on the stability of the fracture and any surgical procedures performed.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive trauma assessment, imaging results, and initial management notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation of trauma patients with suspected vertebral fractures.

Billing Considerations

Accurate documentation of mechanism of injury and associated injuries is critical.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S22.081 When
  • According to ICD
  • CM guidelines, S22
  • 081 should be used when a stable burst fracture of the T11
  • T12 vertebra is confirmed through imaging
  • It is important to document the stability of the fracture and any associated injuries to ensure accurate coding

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S22.081 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

22554CPT Code

Percutaneous vertebroplasty

Clinical Scenario

Used for stabilization of vertebral fractures.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and indications.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the necessity of the procedure.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of vertebral fractures, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S22.081 provides a clear distinction between stable and unstable fractures, which is critical for treatment planning and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of vertebral fractures, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S22.081 provides a clear distinction between stable and unstable fractures, which is critical for treatment planning and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S22.081 provides a clear distinction between stable and unstable fractures, which is critical for treatment planning and resource allocation.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between stable and unstable burst fractures?

Stable burst fractures do not compromise spinal stability or neurological function, while unstable fractures may lead to spinal deformity or neurological deficits.