Fracture of mandible, unspecified
ICD-10 S02.60 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of fracture of mandible, unspecified.
A fracture of the mandible, or lower jaw, is a common injury that can occur due to various mechanisms, including trauma from falls, sports injuries, assaults, or vehicular accidents. The mandible is the largest and strongest bone of the face, and fractures can lead to significant functional impairment, including difficulties in chewing, speaking, and maintaining oral hygiene. The unspecified nature of this code indicates that the specific location or type of fracture (e.g., body, ramus, angle) is not documented. Clinically, patients may present with pain, swelling, bruising, and malocclusion. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination and imaging studies, such as X-rays or CT scans, to assess the fracture's extent and any associated injuries. Management may include conservative treatment with pain control and dietary modifications or surgical intervention for more complex fractures. Complications can include infection, nonunion, malunion, and damage to adjacent structures such as teeth or nerves.
Documentation must include a detailed account of the mechanism of injury, clinical findings, and any imaging results.
Patients presenting with facial trauma from falls or assaults requiring immediate assessment and imaging.
Ensure that all relevant injuries are documented to support the use of additional codes.
Operative reports should detail the surgical approach, fixation methods, and any complications encountered during the procedure.
Surgical repair of mandible fractures following trauma, including fixation with plates or screws.
Accurate coding of surgical procedures must align with the diagnosis of the fracture.
Used when a closed reduction is performed for an unspecified mandible fracture.
Document the procedure performed, including any imaging and follow-up care.
Emergency and surgical specialties should ensure accurate coding of the procedure in relation to the diagnosis.
Use S02.60 when the specific location or type of mandible fracture is not documented. However, strive to obtain more specific information to enhance coding accuracy.
