Unstable burst fracture of T11-T12 vertebra
ICD-10 S22.082 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of unstable burst fracture of t11-t12 vertebra.
An unstable burst fracture of the T11-T12 vertebra is a severe spinal injury characterized by the vertebral body fracturing into multiple fragments, often resulting from high-energy trauma such as a fall from a height or a motor vehicle accident. This type of fracture can lead to significant spinal instability and potential neurological compromise due to the displacement of bone fragments. Patients may present with acute back pain, neurological deficits, and signs of spinal cord injury. Associated injuries may include rib fractures, pneumothorax, hemothorax, and cardiac injuries, which complicate the clinical picture. Management typically involves surgical intervention to stabilize the spine, decompress the spinal cord if necessary, and address any associated thoracic injuries. The prognosis depends on the extent of the injury and the timeliness of treatment. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate reimbursement and to reflect the severity of the injury in the patient's medical record.
Detailed operative reports, imaging studies, and pre-operative assessments.
Surgical stabilization of unstable fractures, management of complications.
Ensure accurate description of fracture type and surgical approach.
Comprehensive trauma assessments, documentation of all injuries.
Management of polytrauma patients with thoracic injuries.
Thorough documentation of all associated injuries and interventions.
Used in surgical stabilization of unstable burst fractures.
Operative report detailing the procedure and indications.
Orthopedic surgeons must document the rationale for surgical intervention.
Stable burst fractures do not compromise spinal stability and typically do not require surgical intervention, while unstable burst fractures involve significant displacement and require surgical stabilization.
