ICD 10 CM S79.119P | Description & Clinical Information

ICD 10 S79.119P describes a specific type of fracture known as a Salter-Harris type I physeal fracture of the lower end of the femur, which is a fracture that occurs in children and affects the growth plate, but does not extend through the joint surface or the widened area at the end of the femur, and is typically caused by severe sudden or blunt trauma during events such as falls from high elevations, traffic accidents, child abuse, or sports activities, and in this particular case, the provider has not documented whether the fracture involves the right or left femur at a subsequent encounter where the fragments have not fully united or have united in a faulty position.

Official Description Of S79.119P

The ICD 10 CM book defines ICD 10 code S79.119P as:

When To Use S79.119P

The diagnosis describes by the code ICD-10-CM S79.119P refers to a particular type of fracture that affects the lower end of an unspecified femur. This fracture is known as a SalterHarris type I physeal fracture and can cause various symptoms, such as pain in the knee area, swelling, bruising, deformity, warmth, stiffness, tenderness, difficulty standing or walking, restricted range of motion, muscle spasm, numbness, and tingling due to possible nerve injury, and death of bone tissue due to lack of blood supply (avascular necrosis).

It is essential to diagnose this condition accurately based on the patient’s history of trauma and physical examination to assess the wound, nerves, and blood supply. Imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI with possible arthrography (X-ray of a joint after injection of contrast into the joint) can help determine the extent of damage, and laboratory examinations also play a significant role in diagnosis.

Providers must pay special attention to this type of fracture due to the unique nature of the growth plate at the lower end of the femur. This growth plate contributes to over two-thirds of femoral length and almost one-half of the entire leg’s length, making unequal length when compared to the opposite extremity common.

The usual treatment for undisplaced physeal fractures is gentle closed reduction, followed by fixation with postoperative immobilization in a spica cast that encases the torso or pelvis down to and including part of the lower leg. In cases where closed reduction is unsuccessful, there are associated injuries, and more serious fractures that extend into the epiphysis and/or metaphysis, open reduction, and additional surgery may be necessary.

Apart from these treatment options, other approaches to managing SalterHarris type I physeal fractures may include medications such as analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain, corticosteroids for swelling and inflammation, muscle relaxants, and thrombolytics or anticoagulants to prevent or treat blood clots. As the healing process progresses, exercises can also be incorporated to improve the range of motion, flexibility, and muscle strength.

In conclusion, SalterHarris type I physeal fractures of the lower end of the femur can impact the patient’s quality of life significantly. Identifying and diagnosing the condition accurately is crucial for proper treatment and management. Hence, healthcare providers must take their time to examine and evaluate each patient thoroughly before establishing a treatment plan. It is also important to involve the patient in discussions about their treatment options and to educate them on the need for follow-up appointments to track their progress. Overall, a multidisciplinary approach involving various healthcare professionals can ensure the best possible outcome for patients with SalterHarris type I physeal fractures of the lower end of an unspecified femur.