Injuries to the knee and lower leg
ICD-10 Codes (0)
No codes found matching your search
Updates & Changes
FY 2026 Updates
New Codes (1)
Revised Codes (1)
Deleted Codes
No codes deleted in this range for FY 2026
Historical Changes
- •FY 2025: Routine maintenance updates with minor terminology clarifications
- •FY 2024: Enhanced specificity requirements for certain code ranges
- •FY 2023: Updated documentation guidelines for improved clarity
Upcoming Changes
- •Proposed updates pending review by Coordination and Maintenance Committee
- •Under consideration: Enhanced digital health integration codes
Implementation Guidance
- •Review all FY 2026 updates for S170-S179 codes before implementation
- •Always verify the most current codes in the ICD-10-CM manual
- •Ensure clinical documentation supports the selected diagnosis codes
- +3 more guidance items...
Range Overview
The ICD-10 code range S170-S179 pertains to injuries to the knee and lower leg. This includes a variety of conditions such as fractures, dislocations, sprains, strains, and other injuries. These codes are used to document the specific type of injury, the location, and the severity. They are essential for accurate medical billing and record keeping.
Key Usage Points:
- •Always code to the highest level of specificity.
- •Include laterality in the code when applicable.
- •Use additional codes to identify any associated open wounds.
- •Remember to code for any complications or comorbid conditions.
- •Consider the cause of the injury when selecting the appropriate code.
Coding Guidelines
When to Use:
- ✓Patient presents with a fractured tibia.
- ✓Patient has a sprained knee due to a sports injury.
- ✓Patient is being treated for a dislocated patella.
- ✓Patient has a strain of the calf muscle.
- ✓Patient is being treated for complications of a previous leg injury.
When NOT to Use:
- ✗Patient has a chronic condition of the knee or lower leg.
- ✗Patient has a disease or disorder of the lower leg.
- ✗Patient has a congenital anomaly of the knee or lower leg.
- ✗Patient is being treated for a condition of the foot or ankle.
- ✗Patient has a condition that is not an injury.
Code Exclusions
Always verify exclusions with the most current version of the ICD-10 coding manual.
Documentation Requirements
Proper documentation for injuries to the knee and lower leg should include the specific type of injury, the location, the severity, and any complications or comorbid conditions. The cause of the injury should also be documented if known.
Clinical Information:
- •Specific type of injury
- •Location of injury
- •Severity of injury
- •Cause of injury
- •Any complications or comorbid conditions
Supporting Evidence:
- •Medical history
- •Physical examination findings
- •Diagnostic test results
- •Operative reports
Good Documentation Example:
Patient presents with a severe fracture of the right tibia due to a fall. X-ray confirms the diagnosis.
Poor Documentation Example:
Patient has a leg injury.
Common Documentation Errors:
- ⚠Not coding to the highest level of specificity
- ⚠Not including laterality in the code
- ⚠Not coding for any associated open wounds
- ⚠Not coding for any complications or comorbid conditions
Range Statistics
Coding Complexity
Coding for injuries to the knee and lower leg can be moderately complex due to the need to accurately identify the specific type of injury, the location, and the severity. Additional complexity arises from the need to code for any complications or comorbid conditions and to understand the cause of the injury.
Key Factors:
- ▸Determining the specific type of injury
- ▸Identifying the location of the injury
- ▸Assessing the severity of the injury
- ▸Coding for any complications or comorbid conditions
- ▸Understanding the cause of the injury
Specialty Focus
These codes are primarily used by orthopedic surgeons, emergency medicine physicians, and sports medicine specialists. They are also used by physical therapists and other healthcare providers who treat patients with injuries to the knee and lower leg.
Primary Specialties:
Clinical Scenarios:
- • Patient presents to the ER with a fractured tibia due to a fall.
- • Patient is seen in the orthopedic clinic for follow-up treatment of a dislocated patella.
- • Athlete is treated for a sprained knee sustained during a football game.
- • Patient is seen in physical therapy for rehabilitation of a strained calf muscle.
- • Patient is treated for complications of a previous leg injury.
Resources & References
Resources for coding injuries to the knee and lower leg include the ICD-10 coding manual, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, the American College of Emergency Physicians, and the American Medical Society for Sports Medicine.
Official Guidelines:
- ICD-10 coding manual
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- American College of Emergency Physicians
- American Medical Society for Sports Medicine
Clinical References:
Educational Materials:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the code for a fracture of the right tibia?
The code for a fracture of the right tibia is S82.101 (Fracture of upper end of right tibia).