Laceration with foreign body of lower leg
ICD-10 S81.82 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of laceration with foreign body of lower leg.
S81.82 refers to a laceration of the lower leg that is complicated by the presence of a foreign body. This condition typically arises from traumatic injuries such as falls, accidents, or penetrating injuries where an object becomes embedded in the soft tissues of the lower leg. The lower leg consists of the tibia and fibula, and injuries in this area can lead to complications such as infection, delayed healing, and damage to underlying structures including muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. In cases where the foreign body is not removed promptly, there is a risk of chronic pain and functional impairment. Treatment often involves surgical intervention to excise the foreign body, repair the laceration, and address any associated injuries such as fractures or ligament tears. Proper documentation is crucial to capture the complexity of the injury, including the type of foreign body, the extent of the laceration, and any additional procedures performed.
Detailed operative reports including descriptions of the laceration, foreign body removal, and any repairs performed.
Patients presenting with traumatic lacerations from accidents, sports injuries, or falls requiring surgical intervention.
Ensure all associated injuries are documented, including fractures or ligament tears, to support comprehensive coding.
Thorough documentation of the mechanism of injury, initial assessment, and any immediate interventions performed.
Patients with acute lacerations from accidents or violence presenting to the emergency department.
Document the presence of foreign bodies and any imaging studies performed to assess for fractures or other injuries.
Used when a simple repair is performed on a laceration with a foreign body.
Document the size of the laceration and the presence of the foreign body.
Orthopedic surgeons should ensure that the complexity of the repair is accurately reflected.
Common foreign bodies include metal fragments, glass shards, wood splinters, and plastic debris, which can all lead to complications if not properly addressed.
