ICD 10 CM S72.409Q | Description & Clinical Information

ICD 10 S72.409Q describes a type of fracture that occurs in the lower end of the femur, which is the thigh bone just above the knee joint, and can be caused by a variety of factors such as falls, traffic accidents, sports injuries, thinning of the bones, cancer in the elderly, or child abuse in infants and children, and is classified as type I or II based on the Gustilo classification for open long bone fractures, with the injury being unspecified in nature and not specifying whether it affects the right or left femur, and is typically encountered at a subsequent visit when the fracture fragments have not properly united or are in a faulty position due to an open fracture that has been exposed through a tear or laceration in the skin caused by the fracture or external trauma.

Official Description Of S72.409Q

The ICD 10 CM book defines ICD 10 code S72.409Q as:

Clinical Information

The diagnosis describes by the ICD 10 CM S72.409Q code is an unspecified fracture of the lower end of an unspecified femur. This type of fracture can be accompanied by severe pain while moving the leg or bearing weight, as well as swelling, tenderness, and bruising over the affected site. Furthermore, it may cause difficulty moving the leg, restricted range of motion, and deformity of the thigh bone. In rare cases, nerve and blood vessel damage may occur, leading to numbness and tingling sensations.

Medical providers will diagnose this condition based on the patient’s history and a physical examination. They may also perform laboratory studies to assess blood loss, blood clotting, muscle injury, and other contributing factors. Imaging techniques like AP and lateral view X-rays, computed tomography (CT) scans, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be utilized to determine the severity of the injury. A bone scan can be useful if the provider suspects a pathologic fracture.

Treatment for an unspecified lower femur fracture will depend on its nature, but stable and closed fractures can often be treated by skeletal traction or a splint or cast to restrict limb movement as they rarely require surgery. Unstable fractures require open or closed reduction and fixation, and open fractures require surgery to close the wound. Additional treatment options may include narcotic analgesics to relieve or reduce pain and/or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to alleviate pain, swelling, and inflammation.

As the healing process progresses, the patient may receive physical therapy exercises, instructions, and monitoring to improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion. The ultimate goal is to enable full recovery of the affected leg, which can take weeks or even months. Furthermore, it is essential to follow physician instructions completely to avoid aggravating the injured area and promote healing.

It is important to note that proper diagnosis and timely treatment are essential for the management, recovery and post care of patients with an unspecified lower femur fracture. Continual medical supervision, physical therapy, and appropriate medication are critical components for successful rehabilitation after a traumatic injury. Patients should be sure to report any abnormality or complication to their physician and refrain from self-treatment.