ICD 10 CM S63.681S | Description & Clinical Information
ICD 10 S63.681S describes a specific type of sprain of the right thumb that occurs due to overstretching or tearing of the tissues supporting the joints, which can be caused by various factors such as contact sports, forcible extreme backward or sideways bending of a thumb, a fall or other blunt trauma, or prior injuries to the joint, and is not specifically named under any codes in this category at this encounter for a sequela, which is a condition resulting from the injury.
Official Description Of S63.681S
The ICD 10 CM book defines ICD 10 code S63.681S as:
Excludes1: traumatic rupture of ligament of finger at metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joint(s) (S63.4-)
Includes: avulsion of joint or ligament at wrist and hand level
laceration of cartilage, joint or ligament at wrist and hand level
sprain of cartilage, joint or ligament at wrist and hand level
traumatic hemarthrosis of joint or ligament at wrist and hand level
traumatic rupture of joint or ligament at wrist and hand level
traumatic subluxation of joint or ligament at wrist and hand level
traumatic tear of joint or ligament at wrist and hand level
Excludes2: strain of muscle, fascia and tendon of wrist and hand (S66.-)
Code also: any associated open wound
When To Use S63.681S
The diagnosis describes by the ICD 10 CM S63.681S code is a specific type of sprain that affects the right thumb. Sprains commonly occur when a joint is forcibly twisted or stretched beyond its normal range of motion causing injury to the ligaments that hold the bone together. In the case of a thumb sprain, the ligaments that connect the bones of the thumb are damaged, leading to various symptoms.
Patients who suffer from a sprain of the right thumb may experience localized pain, swelling, tenderness, muscle spasm, and difficulty in grasping and pinching objects. Furthermore, restricted range of motion may make daily activities such as typing, writing, or handling small items especially challenging. To identify the condition, medical providers base their diagnosis on several factors such as the patient’s medical history, a physical examination, tests for range of motion, and assessments of sensation in the thumb.
Medical imaging tests may also be used to diagnose a sprain of the right thumb. An X-ray may show the extent of the injury and whether there are accompanying bone fractures. An anteroposterior (AP) and lateral view X-rays, and computed tomography (CT) scans could also provide a better image of the bones and ligaments affected, detailing the extent of the injury and identifying other associated complications.
The treatment provided to patients with sprains of the right thumb often depend on the severity of the injury. For mild sprains, immobilization of the thumb joint with a splint, followed by rest, ice pack application, and regular elevation of the hand may be sufficient to alleviate pain and swelling. For more severe cases, medication such as analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to relieve pain and inflammation.
Physical therapy may also be used in the treatment regime to help restore range of motion and flexibility in the thumb. This may include strengthening exercises, stretching, and manual manipulation of the injured area. For severe sprains where the ligaments are torn, surgery may be necessary. Depending on the patient, this may involve reconstructing or repairing the damaged ligaments.
In conclusion, the ICD 10 CM S63.681S code describes a specific type of sprain affecting the right thumb. It is essential for medical coders to have a complete understanding of the diagnostic code, as well as the treatment process that patients will typically undergo to recover from such an injury. Proper coding can help ensure that the right medical treatment is provided, leading to a faster and more successful recovery for patients with this condition.
