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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS72.344

S72.344

Billable

Nondisplaced spiral fracture of shaft of right femur

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S72.344 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of nondisplaced spiral fracture of shaft of right femur.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A nondisplaced spiral fracture of the shaft of the right femur is characterized by a fracture line that spirals around the femoral shaft without any significant displacement of the bone fragments. This type of fracture often occurs due to a twisting injury, commonly seen in sports or falls. The femur, being the longest and strongest bone in the body, can withstand significant forces, but when subjected to torsional stress, it may fracture in a spiral pattern. Clinically, patients may present with pain, swelling, and limited mobility in the affected leg. Diagnosis is typically confirmed through radiographic imaging, which reveals the fracture pattern. Treatment usually involves conservative management with immobilization, pain control, and rehabilitation. Surgical intervention may be required if there is concern for instability or if the fracture does not heal appropriately. Understanding the nature of this fracture is crucial for orthopedic trauma surgery, as it influences treatment decisions and recovery protocols.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of fracture types and their implications for treatment.
  • Differentiation between displaced and nondisplaced fractures.
  • Knowledge of specific anatomical terminology related to the femur.
  • Awareness of associated injuries that may complicate coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury.
  • Failure to specify the laterality of the fracture.
  • Misclassification of fracture type (nondisplaced vs. displaced).
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on treatment outcomes.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the fracture type, location, and treatment plan.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures resulting from sports injuries, falls, or accidents.

Billing Considerations

Documentation must clearly indicate the nondisplaced nature of the fracture to avoid misclassification.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Accurate recording of the mechanism of injury and initial assessment findings.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute limb pain following trauma.

Billing Considerations

Timely documentation is critical for appropriate coding and treatment planning.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S72.344 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, S72
  • 344 should be used when the fracture is confirmed as nondisplaced and specifically located in the shaft of the right femur
  • Documentation must support the diagnosis, including imaging results and clinical findings

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S72.344 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

27506CPT Code

Open treatment of femoral shaft fracture

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for a nondisplaced spiral fracture.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the rationale for surgical intervention.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, including the ability to denote laterality and displacement status, which enhances the accuracy of patient records and treatment plans.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, including the ability to denote laterality and displacement status, which enhances the accuracy of patient records and treatment plans.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, including the ability to denote laterality and displacement status, which enhances the accuracy of patient records and treatment plans.

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 nondisplaced and displaced fracture?

A nondisplaced fracture means the bone cracks but maintains its proper alignment, while a displaced fracture involves the bone fragments moving out of alignment.