Puncture wound with foreign body of vocal cord
ICD-10 S11.034 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound with foreign body of vocal cord.
A puncture wound of the vocal cord occurs when a sharp object penetrates the tissue of the vocal cords, which are located in the larynx. This type of injury can result from various mechanisms, including accidental trauma, self-inflicted injuries, or foreign objects introduced during medical procedures. The presence of a foreign body can complicate the injury, leading to inflammation, infection, or impaired vocal function. Clinically, patients may present with hoarseness, difficulty breathing, or stridor, depending on the severity of the injury. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough history and physical examination, often supplemented by laryngoscopy to visualize the vocal cords and assess the extent of the injury. Management may include removal of the foreign body, surgical intervention if necessary, and supportive care to ensure airway patency and vocal cord healing. Complications can include scarring, chronic hoarseness, or airway obstruction, necessitating careful monitoring and follow-up.
Documentation must include a detailed account of the injury mechanism, patient symptoms, and initial management steps.
Patients presenting with acute respiratory distress due to a puncture wound from a foreign object.
Emergency providers should document any airway interventions performed and the patient's response.
Operative reports should detail the surgical approach, foreign body removal, and any reconstruction performed.
Surgical intervention for removal of a foreign body lodged in the vocal cords.
Surgeons must ensure that all findings and procedures are clearly documented to support coding.
Used when intubation is necessary due to airway compromise from the injury.
Document the indication for intubation and any complications encountered.
Emergency medicine providers must ensure clear documentation of the patient's airway status.
The primary concern is airway compromise due to swelling or obstruction, as well as potential long-term vocal cord damage.
