Fracture of occiput
ICD-10 S02.11 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of fracture of occiput.
A fracture of the occiput refers to a break in the bone at the back of the skull, which can occur due to trauma such as falls, motor vehicle accidents, or blunt force injuries. This type of fracture can be classified as either a linear fracture, which is a simple crack in the bone, or a comminuted fracture, where the bone is shattered into multiple pieces. Symptoms may include severe headache, neck pain, dizziness, and neurological deficits depending on the extent of the injury. The occipital bone protects the brainstem and cerebellum, making fractures in this area potentially serious, as they can lead to complications such as intracranial hemorrhage or spinal cord injury. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as CT scans or X-rays to assess the fracture's nature and any associated injuries. Management may include observation, pain control, and in some cases, surgical intervention to stabilize the fracture and prevent further complications.
Complete documentation of the patient's presentation, mechanism of injury, and any immediate interventions performed.
Patients presenting after a fall or motor vehicle accident with head trauma.
Ensure that all neurological assessments are documented to support the diagnosis and any potential complications.
Detailed operative reports including indications for surgery, findings, and procedures performed.
Surgical intervention for stabilization of a comminuted occipital fracture.
Document any intraoperative findings that may affect coding, such as associated injuries.
Used in cases of severe occipital fractures with brain swelling.
Operative report detailing the procedure and indications.
Neurosurgery documentation must include pre-operative assessments and post-operative care.
CT scans are typically the preferred imaging modality for diagnosing occipital fractures due to their ability to provide detailed images of the skull and brain.
