ICD 10 CM S62.346K | Description & Clinical Information
ICD 10 S62.346K describes a specific type of injury that involves a fracture in the base of the fifth metacarpal bone in the right hand, which occurs without displacement and is typically caused by high force trauma such as a direct blow to the end of the finger or a crush injury, and this code is used for subsequent encounters when there is nonunion or failure of the fragments to unite.
Official Description Of S62.346K
The ICD 10 CM book defines ICD 10 code S62.346K as:
Excludes2: fracture of first metacarpal bone (S62.2-)
Excludes1: traumatic amputation of wrist and hand (S68.-)
Excludes2: fracture of distal parts of ulna and radius (S52.-)
When To Use S62.346K
The diagnosis describes by the ICD 10 CM code S62.346K is a type of fracture that affects the base of the fifth metacarpal bone in the right hand. This condition is also known as a boxer’s fracture and can occur due to a variety of causes, including sports injuries, falls, and physical altercations. The symptoms of this type of fracture are severe pain, rapid swelling, tenderness, and bruising over the affected site. Patients may also experience difficulty moving their hand, wrist deformity, and reduced grip strength.
To diagnose this condition, medical providers will typically take a detailed patient history and conduct a physical examination of the affected area. In addition, X-rays will be taken from different angles to determine the extent and location of the fracture. Posteroanterior, lateral, and oblique views will be taken, as well as views with the hand rotated 30 degrees, palm up, to obtain a comprehensive overview of the injury.
Treatment options for a nondisplaced fracture of the base of the fifth metacarpal bone include closed reduction with splint or cast immobilization. This treatment aims to align the fractured bone fragments and stabilize them so that they can heal together. Displaced fractures may require open or closed reduction and fixation, which involves surgically repositioning the bone fragments and holding them in place with plates, screws, or wires.
Other treatment options for this condition may include early mobilization for nondisplaced fractures, pain management with analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy to improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion as healing progresses. The type and duration of treatment will depend on the extent and severity of the fracture and the patient’s overall health.
Overall, an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment for a nondisplaced fracture of the base of the fifth metacarpal bone, right hand, can help patients achieve a full recovery and minimize long-term complications. Medical coders play a critical role in facilitating this process by accurately coding and documenting patient care to ensure that healthcare providers are appropriately reimbursed and that patients receive the care they need to recover from this condition.
