S27: Injury of other and unspecified intrathoracic organs

ICD10 code S27 is used to document Injury of other and unspecified intrathoracic organs, covering injuries affecting the chest wall, ribcage, spine, heart, blood vessels, and other thoracic structures.

Symptoms

• Bruising or superficial trauma to the chest – S20
• Penetrating wounds and open injuries to thorax – S21
• Rib, sternum, or thoracic spine fractures – S22
• Joint dislocations and ligament sprains in thoracic region – S23
• Neurological deficits from thoracic spinal cord trauma – S24
• Vascular bleeding or damage to thoracic vessels – S25
• Blunt or penetrating cardiac injuries – S26
• Lung, esophageal, or mediastinal trauma – S27
• Crushing injuries and amputations involving thorax – S28
• Other thoracic injuries not specified elsewhere – S29

Diagnosis

Thoracic injuries are diagnosed using clinical examination, chest X-ray, CT scan, ultrasound (e.g., FAST exam), and echocardiography to detect fractures, bleeding, organ damage, or vascular injury.

ICD10 Code Usage

S27 is commonly used in emergency departments, trauma registries, cardiothoracic surgery, orthopedics, and billing systems to accurately classify and track thoracic injuries.

Related Codes

• S20 – Superficial injury of thorax
• S21 – Open wound of thorax
• S22 – Fracture of rib(s), sternum and thoracic spine
• S23 – Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of thorax
• S24 – Injury of nerves and spinal cord at thorax level
• S25 – Injury of blood vessels of thorax
• S26 – Injury of heart
• S28 – Crushing injury of thorax, and traumatic amputation of part of thorax
• S29 – Other and unspecified injuries of thorax

FAQs

Q1: What is ICD10 code S27?
A: It documents injuries involving the thorax, including the ribcage, heart, lungs, spine, and blood vessels.

Q2: How dangerous are thoracic injuries?
A: Thoracic trauma can be life-threatening if it involves major organs, vessels, or the spinal cord.

Q3: What imaging is preferred for chest injuries?
A: Chest X-rays and CT scans are most commonly used for rapid diagnosis.

Q4: How is a thoracic spinal cord injury identified?
A: MRI imaging and neurological examinations are key tools for diagnosing thoracic spinal cord injuries.

Q5: Can thoracic injuries cause long-term disability?
A: Yes, severe injuries to the spine, lungs, or heart may lead to chronic complications or disabilities.

Conclusion

ICD10 code S27 provides essential documentation for Injury of other and unspecified intrathoracic organs, ensuring proper clinical management, legal documentation, and insurance reporting of thoracic injuries.