S32.029S Unspecified fracture of second lumbar vertebra, sequela

ICD-10-CM Code S32.029S: Unspecified fracture of second lumbar vertebra, sequela

ICD-10-CM code S32.029S identifies an unspecified fracture of the second lumbar vertebra as a sequela. Public clinical references establish that vertebral fractures often result from osteoporosis, metastatic disease, or trauma, and frequently occur near the thoracolumbar junction. A Medicare billing article lists this specific code in the context of lumbar spinal fusion documentation. 1 2 3

What this code represents

The official label for ICD-10-CM code S32.029S is an unspecified fracture of the second lumbar vertebra, sequela. This code designation is listed within a Medicare article concerning lumbar spinal fusion billing and coding. 3

Plain-language overview

Vertebral fractures can result from trauma and metastatic disease, but in most cases, they are the result of osteoporosis. The most common levels for compression fractures caused by osteoporosis are at the thoracolumbar junction T11-L2. 1

Clinical context

Vertebral compression fractures predominantly involve the anterior column of the vertebral body, usually resulting in a characteristic wedge-shaped deformity due to biomechanical failure under axial or compressive loading. Neoplastic conditions, such as multiple myeloma, also contribute to vertebral fractures. 2

Vertebral compression fractures affect more than 1.5 million Americans annually. These fractures result in chronic and acute pain, reduced quality of life, loss of self-esteem, social isolation, increased risk of falls and fractures, and an approximate mortality rate twice that of matched controls. 1

Documentation considerations

If imaging is positive for vertebral fractures outside the trauma setting, the underlying cause should be sought out; these will include osteoporosis, metastatic disease, and primary bone pathology. Treatment of the underlying disease is warranted to decrease the risk of future vertebral column fractures. 1

The AO Spine Thoracolumbar Injury Classification System classifies compression fractures as type A, with subtypes A3 and A4 exhibiting posterior vertebral body disruption. The Osteoporotic Fracture classification recognizes osteoporotic vertebral fractures with posterior vertebral wall involvement. 2

What the sources add

Clinical sources from the National Center for Biotechnology Information provide detailed etiologies and biomechanical failure mechanisms for vertebral fractures, whereas the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services article explicitly lists the S32.029S code identifier and its official sequela label. 1 2 3

Coverage and utilization context

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services published an article titled Billing and Coding: Lumbar Spinal Fusion that includes the S32.029S code. This code appears alongside other lumbar fracture codes within this specific Medicare billing document. 3

Sources

1. Bookshelf — ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; accessed 2026-07-25.
2. Bookshelf — ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; accessed 2026-07-25.
3. Article - Billing and Coding: Lumbar Spinal Fusion (A56396) — cms.gov; accessed 2026-07-25.