Fracture of body of sternum
ICD-10 S22.22 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of fracture of body of sternum.
A fracture of the body of the sternum is a type of chest trauma that can occur due to blunt force impact, such as in motor vehicle accidents, falls, or sports injuries. The sternum, or breastbone, is a flat bone located in the center of the chest, connecting to the ribs via cartilage. Fractures in this area can lead to significant pain, difficulty breathing, and potential complications such as pneumothorax (air in the pleural space), hemothorax (blood in the pleural space), or cardiac injuries due to the proximity of the heart. Patients may present with localized tenderness, swelling, and bruising over the sternum, and may require imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans for diagnosis. Treatment typically involves pain management, monitoring for complications, and in severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to stabilize the fracture or address associated injuries. Understanding the implications of a sternal fracture is crucial for proper management and coding, as it can affect the patient's overall treatment plan and recovery trajectory.
Detailed account of the mechanism of injury, physical examination findings, and imaging results.
Patients presenting with chest pain after trauma, requiring imaging and potential surgical evaluation.
Ensure documentation reflects the severity of the injury and any immediate interventions performed.
Operative reports detailing the surgical approach, findings, and any repairs made.
Patients requiring surgical stabilization of a sternal fracture or repair of associated injuries.
Accurate coding of surgical procedures performed in conjunction with the fracture repair.
Used if there is a need to drain a hemothorax associated with a sternal fracture.
Document the indication for the procedure and findings.
Ensure that the procedure is linked to the diagnosis of sternal fracture.
Common complications include pneumothorax, hemothorax, and potential cardiac injuries due to the proximity of the sternum to the heart. Monitoring for these complications is crucial in the management of patients with sternal fractures.
