ICD 10 S32.122A describes a type of sacral fracture that occurs as a result of trauma, such as falls from high elevations, automobile accidents, or stress fractures from running and other sports activities, which involves a vertical break through a foramen of the sacrum, the large triangular bone at the end of the vertebral column, with extreme displacement and often with spinal cord involvement, leading to damage to the nerve roots at the L5 and S1 or S2 vertebral levels, and is applicable to the initial encounter for a severely displaced fracture not exposed by a tear or laceration in the skin.
Official Description Of S32.122A
The ICD 10 CM book defines ICD 10 code S32.122A as:
Code also: any associated fracture of pelvic ring (S32.8-)
Includes: fracture of lumbosacral neural arch
fracture of lumbosacral spinous process
fracture of lumbosacral transverse process
fracture of lumbosacral vertebra
fracture of lumbosacral vertebral arch
Excludes1: transection of abdomen (S38.3)
Excludes2: fracture of hip NOS (S72.0-)
Code first any associated spinal cord and spinal nerve injury (S34.-)
When To Use S32.122A
The diagnosis described by the ICD 10 CM S32.122A code pertains to a severely displaced zone II fracture of the sacrum. This type of injury can be accompanied by a range of symptoms that can significantly impact the patient’s mobility and overall quality of life.
When a patient experiences a severely displaced zone II fracture of the sacrum, they may experience mild to moderate pain, reduced range of motion, and stiffness. In more severe cases, the patient may also have difficulty standing and walking. Additionally, this type of injury can weaken the muscles in the low back, leading to tingling, numbness, or loss of sensation, especially in the legs. Moreover, there is a chance of loss of bowel and bladder control.
A healthcare provider will typically diagnose this condition through a combination of techniques, including a patient’s medical history, a physical examination, and various neurological tests to evaluate muscle strength, sensation, and reflexes. Imaging techniques such as X-rays and computed tomography may also be used to visualize the severity of the injury. Lastly, assessing anal and bladder sphincter control can be helpful in deciding the line of treatment.
Severely displaced fractures typically require fixation and nerve decompression surgery. However, there are other treatment options a physician may choose. These include bed rest, a sacral brace to restrict movement, and physical therapy with gradual weight-bearing as tolerated. Moreover, medications such as steroids, analgesics, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or pain and thrombolytics or anticoagulants to reduce the risk of blood clots may also be prescribed.
For the patient, it is essential to follow their physician’s prescribed treatment plan rigorously. Missing appointments or skipping prescribed treatments may lead to complications and prolong their recovery time. Physical therapy with gradual weight-bearing as tolerated is often recommended for these types of injuries. Once the patient has healed, it’s essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle to prevent further injuries, such as moderate physical exercise and good nutrition.
In conclusion, when a patient presents with a severely displaced zone II fracture of the sacrum, it can be a challenging and painful ordeal. However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, patients can regain their mobility and overall quality of life. Physicians and healthcare providers have a range of options to help patients recover, and following their prescribed treatment plan is crucial to a successful recovery.
