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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS82.252

S82.252

Billable

Displaced comminuted fracture of shaft of left tibia

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S82.252 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of displaced comminuted fracture of shaft of left tibia.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A displaced comminuted fracture of the shaft of the left tibia is a complex injury characterized by the breaking of the tibia bone into multiple fragments, with the fragments being misaligned or displaced from their normal anatomical position. This type of fracture typically occurs due to high-energy trauma, such as motor vehicle accidents or falls from significant heights. The comminuted nature of the fracture complicates the healing process, as the presence of multiple fragments can lead to instability and difficulty in achieving proper alignment during healing. Patients may present with severe pain, swelling, and inability to bear weight on the affected leg. The diagnosis is confirmed through imaging studies, such as X-rays or CT scans, which reveal the extent of the fracture and any associated injuries to surrounding structures, including ligaments and soft tissues. Treatment often involves surgical intervention to realign the bone fragments and stabilize the fracture, which may include the use of plates, screws, or intramedullary nails. Post-operative rehabilitation is crucial to restore function and strength to the affected limb.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: High

High Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Multiple fragments complicate coding and treatment options.
  • Potential for associated injuries to ligaments and soft tissues.
  • Variability in surgical approaches and fixation methods.
  • Need for detailed documentation of the fracture type and treatment plan.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture type and displacement.
  • Failure to document associated injuries.
  • Incorrect coding of surgical procedures performed.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on healing and rehabilitation.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, imaging studies, and post-operative notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures resulting from sports injuries, falls, or vehicular accidents.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate description of fracture type and treatment to avoid coding errors.

Physical Therapy

Documentation Requirements

Progress notes detailing rehabilitation exercises and patient response.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Rehabilitation following surgical fixation of tibial fractures.

Billing Considerations

Document functional limitations and progress towards recovery.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S82.252 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding fractures, including specificity regarding the location, type, and laterality of the fracture
  • Ensure documentation supports the coding of a comminuted fracture

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S82.252 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

27814CPT Code

Open treatment of tibial shaft fracture

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is performed to stabilize the fracture.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the complexity of the fracture.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding fractures, enabling better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation. S82.252 reflects the need for detailed documentation and coding practices.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding fractures, enabling better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation. S82.252 reflects the need for detailed documentation and coding practices.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for greater specificity in coding fractures, enabling better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation. S82.252 reflects the need for detailed documentation and coding practices.

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 a comminuted fracture and a simple fracture?

A comminuted fracture involves multiple bone fragments, while a simple fracture is a single break without fragmentation.