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 CodesS72.322

S72.322

Billable

Displaced transverse fracture of shaft of left femur

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/25/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S72.322 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of displaced transverse fracture of shaft of left femur.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A displaced transverse fracture of the shaft of the left femur is a type of bone injury characterized by a break in the femur that occurs across the bone shaft in a horizontal manner. This injury typically results from high-energy trauma, such as falls from significant heights or vehicular accidents, and is more common in younger individuals. The displacement indicates that the fracture fragments have moved out of their normal alignment, which can complicate healing and may require surgical intervention. Symptoms often include severe pain, swelling, and an inability to bear weight on the affected leg. Diagnosis is confirmed through imaging studies, such as X-rays or CT scans, which reveal the fracture's location and displacement. Treatment options may include conservative management with immobilization or surgical procedures such as intramedullary nailing or plating to realign and stabilize the fracture. Proper management is crucial to prevent complications such as nonunion or malunion of the fracture, which can lead to long-term functional impairment.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires precise documentation of fracture type and location.
  • Differentiation between displaced and non-displaced fractures.
  • Potential for multiple associated injuries in trauma cases.
  • Need for accurate imaging reports to support coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture type and displacement.
  • Failure to include imaging results in the medical record.
  • Misclassification of fracture location (left vs. right).
  • Inconsistent treatment documentation.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, imaging studies, and follow-up notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical repair of femoral fractures, management of complications such as infections or nonunion.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate coding of surgical procedures performed in conjunction with fracture repair.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive documentation of initial assessment, imaging, and treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation of trauma patients with suspected femoral fractures.

Billing Considerations

Accurate coding of the mechanism of injury and associated injuries.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S72.322 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring to capture the specific details of the fracture, including laterality and displacement
  • Use additional codes for associated injuries or complications as necessary

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S72.322 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

27506CPT Code

Open treatment of femoral shaft fracture

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is performed for fracture stabilization.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the surgical approach and fixation method.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S72.322 provides detailed information about the fracture type and location, which is essential for treatment planning and outcome tracking.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S72.322 provides detailed information about the fracture type and location, which is essential for treatment planning and outcome tracking.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S72.322 provides detailed information about the fracture type and location, which is essential for treatment planning and outcome tracking.

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 displaced and non-displaced fractures?

Displaced fractures involve a break where the bone fragments are misaligned, while non-displaced fractures maintain proper alignment despite the break.