ICD 10 CM S82.041M | Description & Clinical Information

ICD 10 S82.041M describes a severe injury to the knee cap resulting in a displaced comminuted fracture, where the bone breaks into three or more pieces and loses alignment due to causes such as falling on the knees, a direct forceful blow, excessive bending of the knee, sports activities, or a traffic accident, and this code is used for a subsequent encounter for a Gustilo type I or II open fracture, which is exposed through a tear or laceration in the skin caused by displaced fragments or external trauma, that fails to unite.

Official Description Of S82.041M

The ICD 10 CM book defines ICD 10 code S82.041M as:

When To Use S82.041M

The diagnosis describes by the ICD-10-CM S82.041M code is a type of patellar fracture that can cause severe pain on weightbearing, abnormal fluid collection, and bleeding in the joint. This fracture is characterized by the comminution of the patella, which means that the bone is shattered into multiple pieces.

Patients with this condition may experience bruising and swelling over the affected area, and they may also have difficulty straightening the knee and limited motion range. In some cases, the fracture can lead to joint stiffness and deformity.

To diagnose an S82.041M patellar fracture, healthcare providers typically conduct a physical examination and review the patient’s medical history. They may also use laboratory studies or imaging techniques such as x-rays or computed tomography to confirm the diagnosis.

Stable and closed fractures typically don’t require surgical intervention and can be treated with a splint or cast to immobilize the knee. However, unstable fractures may require reduction and fixation, a surgical procedure aimed at realigning the bone fragments and securing them in place. Open fractures, where the skin is broken, need immediate medical attention to reduce the risk of infection and severe bleeding.

In addition to surgery, providers may perform an arthroscopy, where a small camera is inserted into the joint to examine the inside of the knee, remove loose fragments, repair connective tissues, and joint lining. They may also aspirate fluid or blood using a needle placed into the joint.

Aside from these medical interventions, pain management for an S82.041M patellar fracture can include the use of narcotic analgesics or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, depending on the severity of the pain. There may also be a need for administering antibiotics if infection is present. As the healing process progresses, providers may recommend activities such as gradual weightbearing and exercises to improve flexibility, strength, and motion range.

Medical coders play a critical role in ensuring that all diagnoses and treatments are accurately coded and documented in patients’ medical records. Thanks to their attention to detail, healthcare providers can get a clear and concise understanding of each patient’s medical history and devise effective treatment plans. Therefore, to keep the healthcare industry functioning effectively and efficiently, it’s vital that medical coders are well trained to properly code and document each patient’s condition accurately.