S23.4 – Sprain of ribs and sternum
ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code · Injuries to the thorax
- Code
S23.4(claims format:S234)- Description
- Sprain of ribs and sternum
- Billable
- No – use a more specific code below
- Valid for
- Dates of service October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 (FY2027)
- Chapter
- 19. Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)
- Block
- S20-S29 Injuries to the thorax
- Parent codes
- S23
Billable codes under S23.4
S23.4 is a header code and cannot be used on claims. Choose the most specific code:
- S23.41 – Sprain of ribsHeader (more codes below)
- S23.42 – Sprain of sternumHeader (more codes below)
7th character values
Codes in this category need a 7th character to describe the encounter or episode of care (use placeholder X for empty positions).
| Character | Meaning |
|---|---|
A | initial encounter |
D | subsequent encounter |
S | sequela |
Notes inherited from parent codes
Instructional notes at a category or block level apply to every code below it.
S23 – Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of thorax
- avulsion of joint or ligament of thorax
- laceration of cartilage, joint or ligament of thorax
- sprain of cartilage, joint or ligament of thorax
- traumatic hemarthrosis of joint or ligament of thorax
- traumatic rupture of joint or ligament of thorax
- traumatic subluxation of joint or ligament of thorax
- traumatic tear of joint or ligament of thorax
- any associated open wound
- The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category S23
Block S20-S29
- injuries of breast
- injuries of chest (wall)
- injuries of interscapular area
- burns and corrosions (T20-T32)
- effects of foreign body in bronchus (T17.5)
- effects of foreign body in esophagus (T18.1)
- effects of foreign body in lung (T17.8)
- effects of foreign body in trachea (T17.4)
- frostbite (T33-T34)
- injuries of axilla
- injuries of clavicle
- injuries of scapular region
- injuries of shoulder
- insect bite or sting, venomous (T63.4)
Related codes in S23
- S23.0 – Traumatic rupture of thoracic intervertebral discHeader
- S23.1 – Subluxation and dislocation of thoracic vertebraHeader
- S23.2 – Dislocation of other and unspecified parts of thoraxHeader
- S23.3 – Sprain of ligaments of thoracic spineHeader
- S23.8 – Sprain of other specified parts of thoraxHeader
- S23.9 – Sprain of unspecified parts of thoraxHeader
Frequently asked questions
What is ICD-10 code S23.4?
S23.4 is the ICD-10-CM code for sprain of ribs and sternum, in the block S20-S29 (Injuries to the thorax).
Is S23.4 a billable code?
No. S23.4 is a header code with more specific child codes; report one of the billable codes listed above.
What category does S23.4 belong to?
It belongs to category S23 – Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of thorax.
Source: CDC/NCHS ICD-10-CM FY2027 code files, tabular list and index. Reference only – code assignment must follow the official ICD-10-CM guidelines and documentation in the medical record.