Fatigue fracture of vertebra, sacr/sacrocygl region, init

This code signifies a stress fracture occurring in the sacrum or sacrococcygeal region, resulting from repetitive stress rather than acute trauma. It indicates the initial phase of treatment for this specific type of vertebral fracture.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a fatigue or stress fracture of the sacrum or sacrococcygeal area. This is appropriate for the initial encounter where the patient is receiving active treatment for the fracture. Supporting documentation includes imaging reports (e.g., MRI, bone scan) confirming a stress fracture and physician notes detailing the diagnosis and treatment plan.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "fatigue" or "stress" fracture; otherwise, a traumatic fracture code may be more appropriate.
• Verify the encounter is truly "initial" for the fracture; subsequent encounters will require different seventh characters.
• Distinguish from pathological fractures (M84.4-) which arise from underlying bone disease, not repetitive stress.