Fx humerus fol insrt ortho implnt/prosth/bone plt, left arm

This code signifies a broken humerus bone in the left arm that occurs after a patient has had an orthopedic implant, joint prosthesis, or bone plate surgically placed. It specifically identifies a fracture that is a complication of the existing hardware rather than a new traumatic injury to an otherwise intact bone.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a fracture of the left humerus has occurred in the presence of and as a direct result of an orthopedic implant, prosthesis, or bone plate. This typically applies to periprosthetic fractures or fractures occurring around existing fixation devices. Supporting documentation should specify the laterality and the relationship of the fracture to the implant.

• Differentiate this from a traumatic fracture of the humerus without an existing implant; those would be coded with S42.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "left arm" to justify the laterality.
• Consider sequencing this code as a secondary diagnosis if the primary reason for the encounter is treatment of the fracture itself, with the implant being a contributing factor.