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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS72.335

S72.335

Billable

Nondisplaced oblique fracture of shaft of left femur

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S72.335 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of nondisplaced oblique fracture of shaft of left femur.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A nondisplaced oblique fracture of the shaft of the left femur refers to a specific type of bone injury where the femur, the longest bone in the body, experiences a fracture that does not result in the bone fragments being displaced from their normal alignment. This type of fracture typically occurs due to high-energy trauma, such as falls or vehicular accidents, but can also result from lower-energy mechanisms in individuals with weakened bone density, such as the elderly. Clinically, patients may present with pain, swelling, and limited mobility in the affected leg. Diagnosis is confirmed through imaging studies, primarily X-rays, which reveal the fracture line and confirm the nondisplaced nature of the injury. Treatment often involves conservative management, including immobilization and physical therapy, although surgical intervention may be necessary in cases of associated injuries or if the fracture does not heal properly. Understanding the nuances of this fracture type is crucial for orthopedic trauma surgery, as it can impact surgical planning and rehabilitation protocols.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between displaced and nondisplaced fractures
  • Understanding the specific location of the fracture on the femur
  • Knowledge of associated injuries that may complicate coding
  • Awareness of the patient's age and bone health status

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture type and location
  • Failure to specify laterality (left vs. right)
  • Misclassification of fracture displacement
  • Lack of imaging reports to support diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, imaging studies, and follow-up notes are essential for accurate coding.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures resulting from falls, sports injuries, or motor vehicle accidents.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all relevant imaging and surgical notes are included to support the diagnosis and treatment plan.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of the mechanism of injury, initial assessment findings, and any imaging performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute limb pain following trauma.

Billing Considerations

Accurate documentation of the patient's vital signs and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S72.335 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring that the fracture is coded to the highest level of specificity
  • Include laterality and the specific type of fracture

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S72.335 When
  • Exclude coding for any associated complications unless they are documented

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

27506CPT Code

Open treatment of femoral fracture, shaft

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for fracture stabilization.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure performed and any implants used.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the specifics of the fracture and treatment.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better treatment planning. S72.335 provides a clear distinction between nondisplaced and displaced fractures, which is crucial for appropriate management.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better treatment planning. S72.335 provides a clear distinction between nondisplaced and displaced fractures, which is crucial for appropriate management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, improving the accuracy of patient records and facilitating better treatment planning. S72.335 provides a clear distinction between nondisplaced and displaced fractures, which is crucial for appropriate management.

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 a displaced and nondisplaced fracture?

A displaced fracture involves the bone fragments being misaligned, while a nondisplaced fracture means the bone remains in its normal position despite the fracture.