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 CodesS81.05

S81.05

Billable

Open bite of knee

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/26/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S81.05 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of open bite of knee.

Key Diagnostic Point:

An open bite of the knee refers to a traumatic injury where a portion of the knee joint is exposed due to a laceration or puncture wound. This type of injury can occur from various mechanisms, including falls, sports injuries, or accidents involving sharp objects. The open bite may involve damage to the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and potentially deeper structures such as ligaments, tendons, or even bone. The knee joint is complex, consisting of bones (femur, tibia, fibula), cartilage, ligaments (ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL), and synovial fluid. An open bite can lead to complications such as infection, delayed healing, and instability of the joint. Treatment often requires surgical intervention to clean the wound, repair any damaged structures, and stabilize the knee. Post-operative rehabilitation is crucial for restoring function and strength. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and tracking of knee injuries, especially in cases where additional procedures, such as ligament reconstruction or fracture repair, may be necessary.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between open and closed injuries
  • Potential involvement of multiple structures (ligaments, tendons, bone)
  • Need for detailed documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Variability in treatment approaches and surgical interventions

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the injury mechanism
  • Failure to document associated injuries (e.g., fractures, ligament tears)
  • Inconsistent coding of surgical procedures performed
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on healing and complications

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical repair of open knee injuries, reconstruction of ligaments, and management of associated fractures.

Billing Considerations

Ensure all surgical procedures are documented, including any complications or additional interventions.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of initial assessment, treatment provided, and any referrals to specialists.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation and management of open knee injuries, including wound care and stabilization.

Billing Considerations

Document the mechanism of injury and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S81.05 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury type, location, and any associated conditions
  • Include details on the mechanism of injury and treatment provided

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S81.05 When
  • Exclude codes for closed injuries unless specified

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

27405CPT Code

Arthroscopy, knee, surgical; with meniscectomy

Clinical Scenario

Used when a meniscal tear is present alongside an open bite injury.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the rationale for surgery.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of knee injuries, including open bites, which enhances the ability to track and manage these injuries effectively. It has improved the granularity of data for research and quality improvement initiatives.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of knee injuries, including open bites, which enhances the ability to track and manage these injuries effectively. It has improved the granularity of data for research and quality improvement initiatives.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of knee injuries, including open bites, which enhances the ability to track and manage these injuries effectively. It has improved the granularity of data for research and quality improvement initiatives.

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 an open bite and a closed bite of the knee?

An open bite of the knee involves a laceration or puncture that exposes underlying tissues, while a closed bite does not penetrate the skin and typically involves soft tissue damage without exposure.