ICD 10 CM M84.421K | Description & Clinical Information

ICD 10 M84.421K describes a specific medical condition in which a bone has been fractured due to a pre-existing disease or condition, such as a tumor, infection, osteoporosis, or genetic bone disorder, rather than from a traumatic event, and this code is used for subsequent encounters when the fragments of the pathologic fracture of the right humerus, the upper arm bone, have failed to unite or result in nonunion.

Official Description Of M84.421K

The ICD 10 CM book defines ICD 10 code M84.421K as:

When To Use M84.421K

The diagnosis describes by the ICD-10-CM M84.421K code is a pathological fracture of the right humerus. This type of fracture can result in several symptoms, including pain, swelling, deformity, weakness, restricted motion, bruising, and numbness and paralysis, particularly if there is nerve damage.

To determine if a patient has suffered from a pathological fracture of the right humerus, healthcare providers utilize a range of diagnostic measures. Typically, a patient’s medical history is taken into account, along with a thorough physical examination. The healthcare provider may measure the range of motion and muscle strength, and use different imaging techniques, like X-ray, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, or dual X-ray absorptiometry to evaluate the bone mineral density.

Additionally, laboratory examination of blood samples may be used for bone and inflammatory markers, and a bone biopsy may be taken for histology studies to determine the underlying cause of the pathological fracture. Treatment options for a pathological fracture of the right humerus are dependent on the severity of the fracture and any underlying causes.

Typically, physical therapy is recommended to improve the patient’s range of motion and strength. The use of a brace, cast, or splint may alleviate pain and swelling and stabilize the fracture. Healthcare providers may also prescribe medications such as analgesics and nutritional supplements to aid healing. It is important for the underlying condition to be treated as well, in order to prevent further pathological fractures, and surgical treatment may be considered in some cases.

While a pathological fracture of the right humerus can be a painful and challenging condition, the right diagnostic measures and treatments can help ensure the best possible outcomes for the patient. It is important for healthcare providers to work closely with their patients to create an individualized treatment plan that addresses their unique needs and underlying conditions.