Fracture of ramus of mandible, unspecified side
ICD-10 S02.640 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of fracture of ramus of mandible, unspecified side.
The ramus of the mandible is a vertical portion of the mandible that connects to the skull at the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). A fracture in this area can occur due to various mechanisms, including blunt trauma from falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries, or physical altercations. Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, and difficulty in opening the mouth or chewing. Diagnosis is primarily through clinical examination and imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans, which help confirm the fracture and assess its severity. Management often involves conservative treatment with pain control and dietary modifications, but surgical intervention may be necessary for displaced fractures or those causing functional impairment. Complications can include malocclusion, infection, or nonunion of the fracture. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and tracking of injury patterns.
Documentation must include a detailed account of the mechanism of injury, clinical findings, and any imaging performed.
Patients presenting with facial trauma from falls or assaults.
Ensure that the documentation reflects the urgency of the injury and any immediate interventions performed.
Operative reports must detail the surgical approach, fixation methods, and any complications encountered.
Surgical repair of displaced fractures or those with associated injuries.
Accurate coding of surgical procedures performed in conjunction with the fracture repair is essential.
Used when a closed reduction is performed for a ramus fracture.
Operative report must detail the procedure and any imaging used.
Ensure that the surgical approach is clearly documented.
Specifying the side of the fracture is crucial for accurate treatment planning and coding. It helps in understanding the injury's impact on function and guides surgical decisions if necessary.
