Definition/Description. Fractures of lumbar vertebrae occur in the setting of either severe trauma or pathologic weakening of the bone, see image R L4 compression fracture. Osteoporosis is the underlying cause of many lumbar fractures, especially in postmenopausal women.
S32. 000A - Wedge compression fracture of unspecified lumbar vertebra [initial encounter for closed fracture] | ICD-10-CM.
In ICD-10-CM, codes for compression and pathologic fractures of the spine (not due to trauma) are located in Chapter 13, Diseases of the Musculoskeletal System and Connective Tissue. Category M48. 5-, Collapsed vertebra, not elsewhere classifiable is used for vertebrae fracture where no cause is listed.
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The most common type of compression fracture is a wedge fracture, in which the front of the vertebral body collapses but the back does not, meaning that the bone assumes a wedge shape. Sometimes, more than one vertebra fractures, a condition called multiple compression fractures.
ICD-10-CM Code for Wedge compression fracture of first lumbar vertebra, initial encounter for closed fracture S32. 010A.
If you have no other documentation about the fracture (e.g. whether this is a pathological or a traumatic fracture), then this would code to category M48. 5 - Compression fracture of vertebra NOS, so I would use M48. 56XA for the lumbar site.
Pathological spine fractures are the result of an underlying disease process that affects the spine. They are called vertebral compression fractures and are common, and frequent in the elderly. They may be caused by osteoporosis, Paget's disease, other diseases and spinal infections (osteomyelitis).
Although all compression fractures have an underlying pathology, the term pathologic vertebral compression fracture (pVCF) is traditionally reserved for fractures that result from primary or metastatic spine tumors.
Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) occur when the bony block or vertebral body in the spine collapses, which can lead to severe pain, deformity and loss of height. These fractures more commonly occur in the thoracic spine (the middle portion of the spine), especially in the lower part.
There are three types of compression fractures: Wedge fracture — This fracture usually occurs in the front of the vertebra, collapsing the bone in the front of the spine and leaving the back of the same bone unchanged, which results in the vertebra taking on a wedge shape.
Transverse process fractures are a type of spinal fracture. The transverse process is the bony projection on either side of your vertebrae (the bones that make up your spinal column). They're usually caused by traumas like any other type of broken bone.
A wedge fracture is the most common type of compression fracture. It usually occurs in the front of the cylinder-shaped vertebra, causing the front of the vertebra to collapse but leaving the back of the bone intact, resulting in a wedge shape.
5 – Low Back Pain. ICD-Code M54. 5 is a billable ICD-10 code used for healthcare diagnosis reimbursement of chronic low back pain.