Closed fracture of one or more phalanges of foot

This code signifies a break in one or more of the toe bones (phalanges) of the foot, where the skin over the fracture remains intact. It indicates a non-open fracture, meaning there is no communication between the fracture site and the external environment. This injury typically results from direct trauma or crushing forces to the foot.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a "closed fracture of toe(s)" or "closed phalanx fracture of foot." This code is appropriate for any toe (hallux, second, third, fourth, or fifth) and for any phalanx (proximal, middle, or distal) as long as it's a closed injury. Supporting documentation includes physician notes detailing the mechanism of injury, physical examination findings (e.g., swelling, deformity, pain), and radiological confirmation of a closed fracture.

• Do not use this code for open fractures; a different code would be required to specify the open nature of the injury.
• This code is non-specific regarding the exact toe or phalanx involved. If more granular detail is documented (e.g., "closed fracture of distal phalanx of left great toe"), consider if a more specific ICD-9-CM code is available, though 826.0 often serves as the most specific option for phalangeal fractures of the foot.
• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "closed" to differentiate from open fractures, which carry a higher risk of infection and different treatment protocols.