Laceration without foreign body of front wall of thorax without penetration into thoracic cavity
ICD-10 S21.11 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration without foreign body of front wall of thorax without penetration into thoracic cavity.
S21.11 refers to a laceration of the front wall of the thorax that does not involve a foreign body and does not penetrate the thoracic cavity. This type of injury is often the result of blunt or penetrating trauma, such as from a fall, motor vehicle accident, or assault. Clinically, it is important to assess the extent of the laceration and any associated injuries, such as rib fractures, pneumothorax, or hemothorax. Rib fractures can occur due to the force of the injury, leading to potential complications like pneumothorax (air in the pleural space) or hemothorax (blood in the pleural space). Cardiac injuries may also be a concern, particularly in high-impact trauma cases. Surgical interventions may be necessary for severe lacerations or associated injuries, including thoracotomy for exploration and repair. Accurate coding of S21.11 requires careful documentation of the injury's nature, location, and any related complications, as well as the treatment provided.
Detailed description of the mechanism of injury, assessment of vital signs, and any imaging studies performed.
Patients presenting with chest trauma from accidents, falls, or assaults.
Ensure documentation reflects the urgency of the situation and any immediate interventions performed.
Comprehensive surgical notes detailing the procedure, findings, and any complications encountered.
Patients requiring surgical repair of thoracic wall lacerations or associated injuries.
Accurate coding of both the laceration and any surgical procedures performed is critical.
Used for laceration repair in the emergency department.
Document the size, location, and depth of the laceration.
Emergency medicine specialists should ensure that the repair is well-documented.
S21.11 is used for lacerations without foreign bodies and without penetration into the thoracic cavity, while S21.12 is for lacerations that involve foreign bodies and penetrate the thoracic cavity.
