Displ commnt fx shaft of unsp femr, 7thJ

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

📋Clinical Description

This code describes a complex fracture of the main part of the thigh bone that has broken into multiple pieces and is no longer in proper alignment. It specifically indicates an open fracture (where the bone has broken through the skin) of a severe type (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) that is not healing as expected during a follow-up visit.

🎯When to Use

This code is appropriate for subsequent encounters when a patient with a previously diagnosed displaced comminuted open femoral shaft fracture (types IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) is being treated for delayed healing. This includes situations where the fracture site shows signs of infection, nonunion, or malunion requiring further intervention or prolonged management.

💡Coding Tips

Ensure documentation clearly specifies "delayed healing" for an open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC.
Verify the encounter is "subsequent" and not an initial treatment.
Confirm the fracture is of the "shaft" of the femur and is "comminuted" and "displaced."

AI-generated reference — verify against official guidelines

Code Hierarchy

▲S72.353Displaced comminuted fracture of shaft of unspecified femur

S72.353J(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