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ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

S22Fracture of rib(s), sternum and thoracic spine

Not billable — use a more specific code

S22 is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself. Choose one of the 6 more specific codes beneath it.

Code unchanged since ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. Source: official FY2027 ICD-10-CM release from CDC/NCHS and CMS. Page updated September 29, 2026. About our data

About S22

S22 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for fracture of rib(s), sternum and thoracic spine. It belongs to block S20-S29 (injuries to the thorax) and chapter 19 (injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes). It is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself; one of its 6 subcodes must be used instead.

To report this condition, pick the subcode that matches the documentation: S22.0 (vertebra), S22.2 (sternum), S22.3 (rib), S22.4 (ribs), S22.5 (chest) and S22.9 (unspecified).

Don't report S22 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: transection of thorax (S28.1).

The conditions in its Excludes2 note aren't part of S22, but may be coded alongside it if the patient has both: fracture of clavicle (S42.0-) and fracture of scapula (S42.1-).

Code first: , if applicable, spinal cord injury (S24.0-, S24.1-).

It has been part of ICD-10-CM since the code set took effect on October 1, 2015 and hasn't changed since.

Specific codes under S22

Coding notes

Note
  • 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
IncludesFurther defines the content of the category
  • fracture of thoracic neural arch
  • fracture of thoracic spinous process
  • fracture of thoracic transverse process
  • fracture of thoracic vertebra
  • fracture of thoracic vertebral arch
Excludes1Not coded here — never report together with this code
  • transection of thorax (S28.1)
Excludes2Not included here — may be reported together if both conditions exist
Code firstSequence the underlying condition first
Code alsoTwo codes may be needed; sequencing depends on circumstances
  • , if applicable, any associated condition such as:
  • injury of intrathoracic organ (S27.-)
  • traumatic hemopneumothorax (S27.2)
  • traumatic hemothorax (S27.1-)
  • traumatic pneumothorax (S27.0)

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to S22.

Broader instructions also apply from S20-S29 Injuries to the thorax and Chapter 19: Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes.

Codes whose notes reference S22

Code history

  1. 2016
  2. 2017
  3. 2018
  4. 2019
  5. 2020
  6. 2021
  7. 2022
  8. 2023
  9. 2024
  10. 2025
  11. 2026
  12. 2027
  • FY2016 (effective 10/1/2015): Added (first year of ICD-10-CM)
  • No changes since FY2016.

Common questions about S22

Is S22 billable?

No. S22 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.