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 CodesS72.351

S72.351

Billable

Displaced comminuted fracture of shaft of right femur

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S72.351 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of displaced comminuted fracture of shaft of right femur.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A displaced comminuted fracture of the shaft of the right femur is a severe type of bone fracture characterized by the breaking of the femur into multiple fragments, with the fragments being misaligned or displaced from their normal anatomical position. This type of fracture typically occurs due to high-energy trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or falls from significant heights. Patients may present with severe pain, swelling, and inability to bear weight on the affected leg. The diagnosis is confirmed through imaging studies, such as X-rays or CT scans, which reveal the extent of the fracture and any associated injuries. Treatment often involves surgical intervention, such as intramedullary nailing or plating, to stabilize the fracture and promote healing. Rehabilitation is crucial for restoring function and mobility post-surgery. Complications can include nonunion, malunion, or infection, particularly in cases where the fracture is open or associated with soft tissue injury.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires detailed documentation of fracture type and location.
  • Involves understanding of surgical procedures and their coding.
  • Potential for multiple associated injuries complicating coding.
  • Need for precise imaging documentation to support coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture details.
  • Failure to document associated injuries.
  • Incorrect coding of surgical procedures.
  • Lack of imaging reports to support diagnosis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, imaging studies, and follow-up notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical repair of femoral fractures, management of post-operative complications.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate documentation of fracture classification and surgical techniques used.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Initial assessment notes, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation of trauma patients with suspected femur fractures.

Billing Considerations

Document mechanism of injury and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S72.351 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding fractures, including the need for specificity in the location and type of fracture
  • Ensure compliance with guidelines regarding the use of seventh characters for subsequent encounters and the documentation of any complications

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S72.351 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 performed for a displaced comminuted 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 greater specificity in coding fractures, including the ability to denote laterality and the type of fracture. This has improved the accuracy of claims and the quality of data for research and epidemiological studies.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding fractures, including the ability to denote laterality and the type of fracture. This has improved the accuracy of claims and the quality of data for research and epidemiological studies.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding fractures, including the ability to denote laterality and the type of fracture. This has improved the accuracy of claims and the quality of data for research and epidemiological studies.

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 comminuted fracture and a simple fracture?

A comminuted fracture involves the bone being broken into multiple pieces, while a simple fracture is a clean break with two fragments. Comminuted fractures often require more complex treatment and have a higher risk of complications.