Displ commnt fx shaft of l femr, 7thF

Displaced comminuted fracture of shaft of left femur, subsequent encounter for open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC with routine healing

📋Clinical Description

This code describes a complex break in the shaft of the left thigh bone, where the bone is broken into multiple fragments and the pieces are not in their normal alignment. It specifically indicates that this is a follow-up visit for an open fracture, meaning the bone broke through the skin, classified as a severe type (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC), and is currently healing as expected.

🎯When to Use

This code is appropriate for documenting subsequent care for a patient with a previously diagnosed displaced comminuted open fracture of the left femoral shaft, specifically when the wound is healing routinely. It would be used during follow-up appointments, physical therapy sessions, or during hospital stays for ongoing management of the healing fracture.

💡Coding Tips

Ensure documentation specifies "displaced" and "comminuted" for the fracture type.
Verify the encounter is "subsequent" and the healing is "routine" for this specific code.
Confirm the open fracture type (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) is clearly documented.

AI-generated reference — verify against official guidelines

Code Hierarchy

▲S72.352Displaced comminuted fracture of shaft of left femur

S72.352F(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