ICD 10 S72.451H describes a specific type of fracture that occurs in the lower end of the right femur, just above the two condyles, without extension between or into the condyles, resulting in displaced fracture fragments that move out of bony alignment, and is typically caused by trauma from sports activities, falls, motor vehicle accidents, or other occurrences; this code is used for subsequent encounters when delayed healing of an open fracture exposed through a tear or laceration of the skin is present, caused by displaced fracture fragments or external injury, and the type of fracture is classified as either type I or type II according to the Gustilo classification for open long bone fractures.
Official Description Of S72.451H
The ICD 10 CM book defines ICD 10 code S72.451H as:
Excludes1: supracondylar fracture with intracondylar extension of lower end of femur (S72.46-)
Excludes2: fracture of shaft of femur (S72.3-)
physeal fracture of lower end of femur (S79.1-)
Excludes1: traumatic amputation of hip and thigh (S78.-)
Excludes2: fracture of lower leg and ankle (S82.-)
fracture of foot (S92.-)
periprosthetic fracture of prosthetic implant of hip (M97.0-)
When To Use S72.451H
The diagnosis describes by the ICD 10 CM code S72.451H pertains to a specific type of fracture in the lower end of the femur bone. This condition occurs when the femur bone is fractured at the supracondylar region without any extension into the intracondylar region. This type of fracture can cause severe pain in the affected area alongside other symptoms such as bruising, deformity, warmth, tenderness, and difficulty bearing weight. Without proper medical attention, it can also lead to restricted motion, impaired bone growth, and significant leg length discrepancies in the future.
Diagnosing this condition involves several processes, beginning with a thorough history and physical examination conducted by a healthcare provider. Imaging techniques such as X-rays, computed tomography scans, or CT scans, and magnetic resonance imaging or MRI may also be carried out to determine the extent of the damage sustained by the bone.
If the condition is detected early, non-operative treatments may be sufficient, such as casting and/or traction therapy. In cases where non-operative treatments are not appropriate or effective, open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) may be recommended. ORIF involves surgically opening the affected area and placing screws, rods, or plates to stabilize the fracture.
Physical therapy is necessary following ORIF and during rehabilitation to improve muscle strength and range of motion. Infants and children under five years old may be more suitable for non-operative treatments such as casting and traction, while the age group above 5 years old may require ORIF as an intervention. Therefore, the treatment that each patient receives may be unique and tailored to their specific circumstances.
Finally, effective management and prevention of supracondylar femur fractures require careful management of risk factors such as age, bone density, physical activity, and underlying systemic conditions that can weaken the bones.
In summary, prompt diagnosis and intervention are crucial when it comes to supracondylar fractures. The ICD 10 CM code S72.451H is an essential diagnostic code intended for medical coders, to enable effective monitoring of patients with supracondylar femur fractures. Though non-operative interventions may be appropriate in some cases, invasive ORIF may be necessary for some patients, depending on several factors such as age and extent of the fracture.
