S22
ICD-10Non-billable categoryFracture of rib(s), sternum and thoracic spine
Official ICD-10-CM descriptor (FY2026)
Fracture of rib(s), sternum and thoracic spine
S22 is a category heading, not a billable code. CMS does not accept it on a claim; report one of the more specific codes beneath it.
Includes
- fracture of thoracic neural arch
- fracture of thoracic spinous process
- fracture of thoracic transverse process
- fracture of thoracic vertebra
- fracture of thoracic vertebral arch
Excludes1
Not coded here. An Excludes1 code should never be reported at the same time as the code above it.
- transection of thorax (S28.1)
Excludes2
Not included here. The condition is not part of this code, but a patient may have both, and both codes may be reported together.
- fracture of clavicle (S42.0-)
- fracture of scapula (S42.1-)
Code also
Two codes may be needed; sequencing depends on the reason for the encounter.
- , if applicable, any associated condition such as:
- injury of intrathoracic organ (S27.-)
- spinal cord injury (S24.0-, S24.1-)
- traumatic hemopneumothorax (S27.2)
- traumatic hemothorax (S27.1-)
- traumatic pneumothorax (S27.0)
Notes
- A fracture not indicated as displaced or nondisplaced should be coded to displaced
- A fracture not indicated as open or closed should be coded to closed
7th character
- The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category S22
Permitted 7th characters
| A | initial encounter for closed fracture |
| B | initial encounter for open fracture |
| D | subsequent encounter for fracture with routine healing |
| G | subsequent encounter for fracture with delayed healing |
| K | subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion |
| S | sequela |
More specific codes under S22
Where this code sits
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ICD-10-CM FY2026. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) / National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), “2026 ICD-10-CM Code Descriptions in Tabular Order” (icd10cm_order_2026.txt). Download the original file from cms.gov. Public domain (US Government work). Descriptors, billable flags and instructional notes on this page are reproduced from that file without modification. Krasyn adds no clinical guidance.