Find information on lumbar spine compression fracture diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding, ICD-10 codes, treatment, and prognosis. Learn about vertebral compression fractures, wedge fractures, burst fractures, and related pain management. Resources for healthcare professionals covering diagnosis, coding guidelines, and documentation best practices for lumbar compression fractures are available. Explore causes, symptoms, and treatment options for compression fractures in the lumbar spine.
Also known as
Fracture of lumbar vertebra
Fractures in the lumbar spine region.
Collapsed vertebra, lumbar
Vertebral compression fractures in the lumbar spine.
Osteoporosis with current pathol
Osteoporosis, often a cause of compression fractures.
Fracture of thoracic spine
Fractures in the thoracic spine, sometimes relevant.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the fracture traumatic?
Yes
Current encounter for initial fracture?
No
Is the fracture due to osteoporosis?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Lumbar Compression Fracture |
Osteoporotic Vertebral Fracture |
Thoracic Compression Fracture |
Coding unspecified fracture type (e.g., S32.00) when documentation supports a more specific code (e.g., compression fracture).
Incorrectly coding a pathologic fracture (M80.-) as traumatic (S32.-) or vice versa without proper documentation of etiology.
Lacking sufficient documentation to support the diagnosis of a lumbar compression fracture, leading to coding errors or claim denials.
Patient presents with complaints consistent with lumbar spine compression fracture. Onset of low back pain is reported as [acute/gradual/insidious], with pain described as [sharp/dull/aching/burning/radiating]. Pain is exacerbated by [movement/flexion/extension/weight-bearing] and alleviated by [rest/ice/heat/medication]. Patient denies [or reports] any history of trauma, osteoporosis, prolonged steroid use, or malignancy. Physical examination reveals [point tenderness/muscle spasm/limited range of motion/neurological deficits such as decreased sensation, weakness, or diminished reflexes] in the lumbar spine. Assessment suggests lumbar compression fracture as the likely diagnosis. Differential diagnoses include lumbar strain, herniated disc, spinal stenosis, and malignancy. Ordered imaging studies include [X-ray/CT scan/MRI] of the lumbar spine to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the fracture. Initial treatment plan includes pain management with [analgesics/NSAIDs/opioids if necessary], activity modification, and bracing. Patient education provided on proper body mechanics, fall prevention strategies, and importance of follow-up care. Referral to [orthopedics/physical therapy/pain management] will be considered based on imaging results and patient response to initial treatment. ICD-10 code [S32.0XXA, S32.0XXD, or other appropriate code] is considered based on specific location and type of fracture. Further evaluation and management will be based on clinical progression and imaging findings.