Sprain of ribs

This code signifies a traumatic injury to the ligaments and soft tissues surrounding the ribs, resulting in pain, tenderness, and sometimes difficulty breathing. It represents a stretching or tearing of the fibrous tissues that connect the ribs to each other or to the sternum and vertebrae.

Use this code for diagnoses of rib sprains, intercostal sprains, or costochondral sprains documented by a physician. This is appropriate when the injury is due to trauma, such as a fall, direct impact, or sudden twisting motion, and there is no evidence of fracture or dislocation.

• Differentiate from rib contusion (922.1) which involves bruising without ligamentous injury.
• Ensure documentation specifies "sprain" or "ligamentous injury" to the ribs; "pain" alone is insufficient.
• If a fracture is also present, code the fracture first, as it is a more severe injury.