Nondisp spiral fx shaft of unsp femr, 7thJ

Nondisplaced spiral fracture of shaft of unspecified femur, subsequent encounter for open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC with delayed healing

📋Clinical Description

This code signifies a spiral fracture of the femoral shaft that has not shifted out of alignment. It specifically applies to open fractures (where the bone broke through the skin) classified as Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC, and indicates that the healing process is taking longer than expected.

🎯When to Use

Use this code when documenting follow-up care for a patient with a previously diagnosed open spiral femoral shaft fracture (Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) that is experiencing delayed union. This would be appropriate for encounters where the physician is monitoring the healing progress and addressing the delayed healing.

💡Coding Tips

Ensure the documentation clearly specifies an open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC.
Verify that the encounter is for subsequent care, not the initial treatment of the fracture.
Confirm that the physician's notes explicitly state "delayed healing" for this specific fracture.

AI-generated reference — verify against official guidelines

Code Hierarchy

▲S72.346Nondisplaced spiral fracture of shaft of unspecified femur

S72.346J(current)

Crosswalks

V54.15ApproxICD-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