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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS32.011

S32.011

Billable

Stable burst fracture of first lumbar vertebra

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S32.011 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of stable burst fracture of first lumbar vertebra.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A stable burst fracture of the first lumbar vertebra (L1) is characterized by a fracture that results from axial loading, typically due to high-energy trauma such as falls or motor vehicle accidents. This type of fracture involves the vertebral body and can lead to the displacement of bone fragments without significant spinal instability. Clinically, patients may present with localized back pain, tenderness, and potential neurological deficits depending on the extent of the injury. Diagnostic imaging, particularly X-rays and MRI, is crucial for assessing the fracture's stability and ruling out associated injuries to the spinal cord or surrounding structures. Management often includes conservative treatment with pain management and physical therapy, although surgical intervention may be necessary in cases of instability or neurological compromise. Understanding the implications of lumbar spine trauma is essential, as it can also affect adjacent structures, including the abdominal and pelvic organs, leading to potential genitourinary injuries. Emergency surgical interventions may be indicated to decompress the spinal canal or stabilize the vertebral column, particularly in cases where there is significant displacement or neurological involvement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of spinal anatomy and injury mechanisms.
  • Differentiation from other types of lumbar fractures.
  • Potential for associated injuries complicating the clinical picture.
  • Need for precise documentation of fracture stability and neurological status.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture stability.
  • Failure to document associated injuries or complications.
  • Misclassification of fracture type (stable vs. unstable).
  • Lack of imaging reports to support diagnosis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed imaging reports, surgical notes, and post-operative assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of lumbar spine fractures, surgical interventions for stabilization.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must clearly indicate the type of fracture and any surgical interventions performed.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Initial assessment notes, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Acute trauma cases presenting with back pain and potential neurological deficits.

Billing Considerations

Timely documentation is critical for accurate coding and treatment planning.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S32.011 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S32
  • 011 should be used when the fracture is confirmed as stable and does not involve significant displacement or neurological compromise
  • Documentation must support the diagnosis and include details about the mechanism of injury and any imaging findings

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S32.011 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

22558CPT Code

Percutaneous vertebroplasty

Clinical Scenario

Used in cases of vertebral compression fractures.

Documentation Requirements

Pre-operative imaging and assessment notes.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the need for the procedure based on fracture stability.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of lumbar spine injuries, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. S32.011 provides a clear distinction between stable and unstable fractures, which is crucial for appropriate management and reimbursement.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of lumbar spine injuries, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. S32.011 provides a clear distinction between stable and unstable fractures, which is crucial for appropriate management and reimbursement.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement.

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 result in significant displacement of the vertebra or compromise the spinal canal, while unstable fractures may lead to neurological deficits and require surgical intervention.