ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS72.33

S72.33

Billable

Oblique fracture of shaft of femur

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/25/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S72.33 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of oblique fracture of shaft of femur.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An oblique fracture of the shaft of the femur is characterized by a fracture line that runs diagonally across the bone, typically resulting from a significant force or trauma. This type of fracture is common in high-energy injuries such as motor vehicle accidents, falls from heights, or sports-related injuries. Clinically, patients may present with severe pain, swelling, and inability to bear weight on the affected leg. Physical examination often reveals deformity and tenderness along the femur. Radiographic imaging, particularly X-rays, is essential for diagnosis, revealing the fracture's location and orientation. Treatment usually involves orthopedic intervention, which may include surgical fixation with intramedullary nails or plates, depending on the fracture's complexity and the patient's overall health. Rehabilitation is crucial for restoring function and strength post-surgery, and follow-up care is necessary to monitor healing and prevent complications such as nonunion or malunion.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in fracture patterns and locations
  • Need for precise documentation of fracture type and treatment
  • Potential for associated injuries in polytrauma cases
  • Differentiation from other types of femoral fractures

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture type and treatment
  • Failure to specify laterality (left or right femur)
  • Misclassification of fracture severity
  • Lack of follow-up documentation post-surgery

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, imaging studies, and pre- and post-operative assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical fixation of oblique femur fractures, management of complications such as infection or nonunion.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate coding of surgical procedures performed, including fixation methods and any additional procedures.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive documentation of initial assessment, imaging results, and treatment provided in the emergency setting.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation and stabilization of patients with femur fractures, coordination of care for surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding of associated injuries and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S72.33 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the fracture type, location, and laterality are accurately documented
  • Include any relevant external cause codes if applicable

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S72.33 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

27405CPT Code

Open treatment of femoral shaft fracture

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is performed for an oblique femur fracture.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure, fixation method, and any complications.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must ensure accurate coding of the procedure performed.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of femur fractures, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of femur fractures, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an oblique fracture and a transverse fracture?

An oblique fracture has a diagonal fracture line, while a transverse fracture has a horizontal line. The treatment and implications for healing may differ based on the fracture type.