Puncture wound with foreign body of left front wall of thorax without penetration into thoracic cavity
ICD-10 S21.142 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of puncture wound with foreign body of left front wall of thorax without penetration into thoracic cavity.
A puncture wound with a foreign body in the left front wall of the thorax indicates an injury where an object has penetrated the skin and underlying tissues but has not breached the thoracic cavity. This type of injury can occur due to various mechanisms, such as a stab wound, a gunshot wound, or an accident involving sharp objects. Clinically, it is essential to assess for associated injuries, including rib fractures, pneumothorax, hemothorax, or cardiac injuries, which may complicate the clinical picture. The absence of penetration into the thoracic cavity is crucial, as it significantly reduces the risk of life-threatening complications such as respiratory distress or cardiac tamponade. Management typically involves wound care, possible surgical intervention to remove the foreign body, and monitoring for any delayed complications. Accurate coding requires careful documentation of the injury mechanism, the presence of any foreign bodies, and the absence of thoracic cavity involvement.
Detailed account of the injury mechanism, foreign body characteristics, and initial treatment provided.
Patients presenting with stab wounds, gunshot wounds, or accidental punctures.
Ensure thorough documentation of any imaging studies performed to rule out thoracic cavity involvement.
Operative reports detailing the removal of foreign bodies and any associated repairs.
Surgical intervention for foreign body removal or repair of associated injuries.
Document the surgical approach and any complications encountered during the procedure.
Used for the repair of the puncture wound if no foreign body removal is necessary.
Document the size of the wound and the method of repair.
Emergency medicine and surgical specialties should ensure accurate reporting of the procedure.
S21.142 refers to a puncture wound without penetration into the thoracic cavity, while S21.141 indicates that there is penetration into the thoracic cavity, which carries a higher risk of complications.
