Find comprehensive information on sacral fractures, including clinical documentation tips, ICD-10 and CPT codes for accurate medical coding, diagnostic criteria, and treatment options. Learn about sacrum fracture classification, sacral insufficiency fractures, and postoperative care. This resource provides essential information for healthcare professionals, coders, and clinicians involved in the diagnosis and management of sacral fractures.
Also known as
Fracture of sacrum and coccyx
Covers fractures of the sacrum and coccyx (tailbone).
Injuries to the pelvis and hip
Includes various injuries to the pelvic region and hip joint.
Injury, poisoning and certain other
Encompasses a broad range of injuries, poisonings, and external causes.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the sacral fracture traumatic?
Yes
Zone of sacral fracture?
No
Pathological fracture?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Sacral Fracture |
Coccyx Fracture |
Pelvic Ring Fracture |
Coding sacral fractures without specifying traumatic vs. pathologic/stress impacts severity and reimbursement.
Missing laterality, fracture type (e.g., transverse, comminuted), or displacement details hinders accurate code assignment.
Failing to capture associated pelvic, spinal, or nerve injuries leads to undercoding and lost revenue.
Patient presents with complaints of low back pain, possibly a sacral fracture. Onset of pain was (date of onset) following (mechanism of injury - e.g., fall, direct trauma). Pain is described as (character of pain - e.g., sharp, dull, aching) and located in the sacral region, potentially radiating to (areas of radiation - e.g., buttocks, legs). Patient reports (aggravating factors - e.g., sitting, standing, walking) and (alleviating factors - e.g., lying down, ice, medication). Associated symptoms may include (associated symptoms - e.g., bowel or bladder dysfunction, numbness, tingling). Physical examination reveals (physical exam findings - e.g., tenderness to palpation over the sacrum, limited range of motion, neurological deficits). Imaging studies, including (imaging studies ordered - e.g., X-ray, CT scan, MRI) of the sacrum and pelvis, were ordered to evaluate for sacral insufficiency fracture, stress fracture, or traumatic fracture. Differential diagnosis includes lumbar strain, sacroiliac joint dysfunction, and spinal stenosis. Preliminary diagnosis is consistent with sacral fracture. Treatment plan includes (treatment plan - e.g., pain management with analgesics, NSAIDs, physical therapy, surgical consultation if necessary). Patient education provided regarding activity modification, weight-bearing restrictions, and fall prevention. Follow-up appointment scheduled for (date of follow up) to reassess symptoms and discuss further management. ICD-10 code (appropriate ICD-10 code - e.g., S32.XXX) is pending imaging confirmation. This documentation supports medical coding and billing for sacral fracture care.