Laceration with foreign body, right knee
ICD-10 S81.021 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration with foreign body, right knee.
S81.021 refers to a laceration of the right knee that is complicated by the presence of a foreign body. This condition typically arises from traumatic injuries, such as falls, sports injuries, or accidents, where sharp objects penetrate the skin and underlying tissues. The knee joint is a complex structure composed of bones, ligaments, tendons, and cartilage, making it susceptible to various injuries. In cases of laceration, the foreign body can cause additional damage to the surrounding soft tissues, potentially leading to complications such as infection, delayed healing, or joint dysfunction. Treatment often involves surgical intervention to remove the foreign body, repair the laceration, and assess for any associated injuries to the ligaments or cartilage. Proper documentation is crucial to capture the extent of the injury, the nature of the foreign body, and any additional procedures performed, such as debridement or reconstruction of the knee structures. Accurate coding ensures appropriate reimbursement and reflects the complexity of the injury and treatment provided.
Detailed operative notes describing the laceration, foreign body removal, and any reconstructive procedures performed.
Patients presenting with traumatic knee injuries from sports, falls, or accidents requiring surgical intervention.
Ensure accurate coding of any additional procedures performed, such as ligament repair or fracture fixation.
Thorough documentation of the mechanism of injury, initial assessment, and any immediate interventions performed.
Patients with acute knee injuries presenting to the emergency department with lacerations and foreign bodies.
Document the patient's vital signs and any imaging studies performed to assess for associated injuries.
Used when performing a surgical repair of the laceration with foreign body removal.
Operative report detailing the laceration repair and foreign body extraction.
Orthopedic surgeons must document the extent of the injury and any additional procedures performed.
Common foreign bodies include metal fragments, glass shards, and organic materials like thorns or splinters, which can complicate the laceration and require surgical intervention.
