ICD 10 CM S82.015H | Description & Clinical Information

ICD 10 S82.015H describes a specific type of knee injury characterized by a non-displaced fracture or avulsion of the patella, which is the knee cap, along with tearing of the joint cartilage underneath it, resulting from various causes such as falling on the knees, direct forceful blow, excessive bending of the knee, sports activities, or traffic accidents, and this code is used for subsequent encounters when there is delayed healing of a Gustilo type I or II open fracture of the left patella that is exposed through a tear or laceration of the skin, without any loss of alignment of the fracture fragments.

Official Description Of S82.015H

The ICD 10 CM book defines ICD 10 code S82.015H as:

When To Use S82.015H

The diagnosis code ICD 10 CM S82.015H is used to describe a specific type of knee injury – a nondisplaced osteochondral fracture of the left patella. While this may sound like medical jargon, understanding what this diagnosis means can help patients and medical coders grasp the severity of the injury and what treatment options may be available.

A knee injury of this nature can result in severe pain and other symptoms that affect an individual’s ability to move and function normally. Weightbearing on the affected knee may cause significant discomfort, and abnormal fluid buildup or bleeding in the joint may occur, leading to effusion or hemarthrosis. In some cases, bruising may be present over the affected site, and patients may struggle to straighten their knee or experience a loss of range of motion.

Diagnosing this type of injury requires a thorough examination by a medical provider. In addition to a physical exam, providers may order laboratory studies and imaging techniques such as Xrays or computed tomography to determine the extent of the injury. Xrays typically involve taking AP, lateral, and oblique views with Merchant or axial (frontal) views of the knee partially flexed to obtain a comprehensive view of the fracture.

Treatment options for a nondisplaced osteochondral fracture of the left patella depend on the severity of the injury. In stable and closed fractures, a splint or cast may be used to immobilize the knee, and surgery is rarely necessary. However, when the fracture is unstable, the provider may need to perform reduction and fixation techniques to realign and stabilize the bone. In cases of an open fracture, surgery will be necessary to close the wound and prevent infection.

Aside from physical interventions, other treatments may be used to manage symptoms and promote healing. Medications such as narcotic analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can help to manage pain, while antibiotics may be necessary if there is risk of infection. As the patient recovers, gradual weightbearing exercises and physical therapy techniques can help improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion.

In more severe cases, the medical provider may perform arthroscopy to examine the inside of the knee joint more closely. This procedure can help to remove loose fragments of bone or tissue, repair connective tissues and joint lining, or suction out fluid or blood from the joint.

In conclusion, understanding the diagnosis code ICD 10 CM S82.015H provides insight into the nature of a nondisplaced osteochondral fracture of the left patella. While this type of injury can result in significant pain and discomfort, there are a variety of treatment options available that depend on the severity of the injury. By employing a combination of physical interventions and medication, medical providers can help patients manage the symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.