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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS32.001

S32.001

Billable

Stable burst fracture of unspecified lumbar vertebra

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S32.001 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of stable burst fracture of unspecified lumbar vertebra.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A stable burst fracture of the lumbar vertebra occurs when the vertebra is subjected to significant axial loading, leading to a fracture that does not compromise the spinal canal or cause neurological deficits. This type of fracture is characterized by the vertebra breaking into multiple fragments, but remaining stable, meaning that the alignment of the spine is maintained and there is no significant displacement of the fragments. Patients may present with acute back pain, tenderness over the affected area, and limited mobility. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or MRI, are essential for diagnosis, revealing the fracture pattern and ruling out associated injuries. Treatment typically involves conservative management, including pain control, physical therapy, and activity modification. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary if there is a risk of instability or if conservative measures fail. Understanding the implications of this injury is crucial for managing potential complications, including chronic pain or functional impairment.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in presentation and severity of lumbar fractures
  • Need for precise documentation of fracture stability
  • Differentiation from other types of lumbar spine injuries
  • Potential for associated injuries in abdominal and pelvic regions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture type and stability
  • Failure to document associated injuries
  • Misclassification of fracture severity
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on treatment outcomes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed imaging reports, surgical notes if applicable, and follow-up assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of stable burst fractures post-trauma, pre-operative evaluations.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of fracture stability and any associated injuries.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Initial assessment notes, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Acute presentation of back pain following trauma, evaluation for potential surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Accurate documentation of mechanism of injury and initial treatment provided.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S32.001 When
  • Follow ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding fractures, ensuring to document the type of fracture, its stability, and any associated injuries
  • Include any relevant external cause codes if applicable

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S32.001 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

22551CPT Code

Percutaneous vertebroplasty

Clinical Scenario

Used for stabilization of vertebral fractures.

Documentation Requirements

Pre-operative imaging and consent forms.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the rationale for 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 lumbar spine injuries, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of lumbar spine injuries, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 the spinal canal or cause neurological deficits, while unstable fractures may lead to spinal instability and require surgical intervention.