Unsp fx shaft of l femr, 7thN

Unspecified fracture of shaft of left femur, subsequent encounter for open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC with nonunion

📋Clinical Description

This code describes a situation where a patient is receiving ongoing care for a non-healing, severe open fracture of the shaft of their left femur. The fracture was initially exposed to the environment (open fracture types IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) and has failed to unite after initial treatment.

🎯When to Use

This code is used for follow-up encounters when a patient with a previously diagnosed severe open left femoral shaft fracture is being treated for nonunion. This includes scenarios such as surgical revisions, bone grafting procedures, or prolonged immobilization due to the fracture's failure to heal.

💡Coding Tips

Ensure documentation clearly specifies "nonunion" and the "subsequent encounter" status.
Verify the laterality (left femur) and the specific fracture location (shaft).
Confirm the original open fracture type was IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC as per Gustilo-Anderson classification.

AI-generated reference — verify against official guidelines

Code Hierarchy

▲S72.302Unspecified fracture of shaft of left femur

S72.302N(current)

Crosswalks

733.82ApproxICD-9

Same Category

S72Fracture of femur S72.0Fracture of head and neck of femur S72.00Fracture of unspecified part of neck of femur S72.001Fracture of unspecified part of neck of right femur S72.001AFracture of unsp part of neck of right femur, init