S22: Fracture of rib(s), sternum and thoracic spine
S22.0: Fracture of thoracic vertebra
A fracture of the thoracic vertebra is a type of spinal injury, particularly, a break or crack in one or more of the twelve thoracic vertebrae. These bones constitute the midportion of the vertebral column, and they are crucial to the stability of the spine and support for the chest area. This condition typically occurs due to high-impact injuries or trauma, such as a car accident, a fall from a significant height, or severe twisting of the torso. Aging-related conditions like osteoporosis that weaken bones can also contribute to these fractures. Symptoms often include sudden, severe back pain that is exacerbated by movement, reduced sensation or paralysis in lower parts of the body, and difficulty in controlling bowel or bladder. The severity and complications of this injury depend largely on the extent and location of the fracture.
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