ICD 10 CM S42.111S | Description & Clinical Information
ICD 10 S42.111S describes a specific type of injury that involves a displaced fracture of the body of the scapula, which is the triangular flat bone located at the back of the shoulder that connects the upper arm bone to the collar bone, and this type of fracture occurs when the broken pieces of the bone are misaligned due to high impact trauma, such as a forceful direct blow from a fall from a high elevation onto the scapula, a motor vehicle accident, or falling on the extended arm, and this code is used to indicate an encounter for a sequela, which is a condition resulting from the fracture.
Official Description Of S42.111S
The ICD 10 CM book defines ICD 10 code S42.111S as:
Excludes1: traumatic amputation of shoulder and upper arm (S48.-)
Clinical Information
The diagnosis describes by the ICD-10-CM S42.111S code is a displaced scapular body fracture, which occurs when the scapula bone is broken and displaced from its normal position. This type of fracture is rare and often results from high-energy trauma, such as a car accident or a fall from a great height. It most commonly affects the right shoulder, causing symptoms such as pain, difficulty moving the arm, swelling, bruising, tenderness, and limited range of motion.
In addition to these symptoms, a displaced scapular body fracture may also cause injury to the lungs, nerves, and blood vessels by the displaced bone fragments. This can lead to serious complications such as pneumothorax (collapsed lung), hemothorax (blood in the chest cavity), nerve damage, or vascular injury. Therefore, it is important for healthcare providers to diagnose and treat this condition promptly.
To diagnose a displaced scapular body fracture, the healthcare provider will first take the patient’s medical history and perform a physical examination. Imaging techniques such as X-rays and computed tomography (CT) scans are also used to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the fracture. The healthcare provider may also order additional laboratory and imaging studies if they suspect nerve, lung, or blood vessel injuries.
The treatment for a displaced scapular body fracture depends on the severity of the fracture and the patient’s overall health. Stable and closed fractures can often be managed with conservative treatment such as rest, ice packs, and pain medication. A sling or wrap may also be used to restrict limb movement and promote healing. However, unstable fractures require fixation surgery to realign the bones and hold them in place with plates or screws. Open fractures, where the bone protrudes through the skin, require surgical intervention to clean the wound and close it.
After the fracture has been treated, physical therapy may be recommended to help restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the shoulder joint. This may involve exercises to strengthen the muscles around the shoulder and neck, as well as manual therapy to improve joint mobility. Pain medication such as analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also be prescribed to manage pain and inflammation.
In summary, a displaced scapular body fracture is a rare but serious condition that can cause significant pain, discomfort, and complications if left untreated. Healthcare providers use a combination of medical history, physical examination, and medical imaging to diagnose and treat this condition. Treatment options range from conservative management to surgical intervention, and may be accompanied by physical therapy and pain medication. With prompt and appropriate care, most patients can recover fully and return to their normal activities.
