Displaced unspecified condyle fracture of lower end of left femur
ICD-10 S72.412 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of displaced unspecified condyle fracture of lower end of left femur.
A displaced condyle fracture of the lower end of the left femur is a significant orthopedic injury that typically occurs due to high-energy trauma, such as falls or vehicular accidents. This type of fracture involves the distal femur, specifically affecting the condyles, which are the rounded ends of the femur that articulate with the tibia at the knee joint. The displacement indicates that the fracture fragments are not aligned properly, which can lead to complications such as malunion, nonunion, or knee joint instability if not treated appropriately. Symptoms often include severe pain, swelling, and inability to bear weight on the affected leg. Diagnosis is confirmed through imaging studies, primarily X-rays, and sometimes CT scans for detailed assessment. Treatment usually involves surgical intervention to realign the bone fragments, stabilize the fracture with plates or screws, and rehabilitation to restore function. The complexity of managing such fractures lies in the need for precise surgical techniques and careful postoperative care to ensure optimal recovery and minimize long-term complications.
Detailed operative reports, imaging studies, and follow-up assessments are essential.
Fractures resulting from falls in elderly patients, sports injuries in younger patients, and trauma from accidents.
Ensure that all surgical interventions and post-operative care details are documented to support the coding.
Comprehensive rehabilitation plans and progress notes are necessary.
Patients undergoing rehabilitation post-surgery for femoral fractures.
Document functional assessments and therapy goals to support the need for ongoing care.
Used when surgical intervention is performed for the fracture.
Operative report detailing the procedure and any implants used.
Orthopedic surgeons must ensure that all aspects of the surgery are documented for accurate coding.
Specifying 'displaced' indicates that the fracture fragments are not aligned, which has implications for treatment and recovery. It often requires surgical intervention to realign the bones, making it a more complex case than a non-displaced fracture.
