Understanding Broken Finger (Finger Fracture, Phalanx Fracture) diagnosis? This resource provides information on clinical documentation, medical coding, and healthcare best practices for a B letter diagnosis. Learn about Phalanx Fracture diagnosis, Finger Fracture treatment, and Broken Finger care. Find accurate medical coding information related to Broken Finger, Finger Fracture, and Phalanx Fracture for optimized healthcare documentation.
Also known as
Fractures of fingers
Fractures involving the finger bones.
Injuries to the wrist and hand
Includes various injuries like fractures, dislocations, and sprains.
Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes
Encompasses injuries, poisonings, and other externally-caused conditions.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Open fracture (bone through skin)?
Yes
Which finger?
No
Which finger?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Break in finger bone. |
| Finger joint sprain or strain. |
| Crushing injury of the fingertip. |
Coding lacks laterality (right/left) and specific phalanx location, impacting reimbursement and data accuracy. Relevant for medical coding, ICD-10, and healthcare compliance.
Documentation may not specify fracture type (displaced, comminuted, etc.), leading to undercoding or overcoding. Impacts CDI, accurate DRG assignment, and compliance.
Related injuries like tendon or ligament damage may be overlooked, leading to incomplete coding and lost revenue. Crucial for medical coding audits and compliant healthcare billing.
Q: How can I differentiate between a stable and unstable broken finger phalanx fracture using physical exam and imaging findings?
A: Differentiating between stable and unstable phalanx fractures relies on a combination of clinical examination and imaging. During the physical exam, assess for angulation, rotation, and shortening of the digit. Instability is suggested by significant displacement, rotational deformity, or joint subluxation/dislocation. Radiographs are essential and should include anteroposterior (AP), lateral, and oblique views. Oblique views are particularly helpful for detecting subtle fractures. On imaging, look for fracture displacement greater than 2mm, angulation exceeding 10 degrees, intra-articular involvement, or comminution, which often indicate instability. Further evaluation with CT scan may be considered for complex intra-articular fractures to better define the fracture pattern. Explore how advanced imaging modalities can enhance fracture assessment and surgical planning.
Q: What are the best evidence-based non-surgical treatment options for a closed, minimally displaced broken little finger (pinky finger) fracture, and how do I determine optimal splint immobilization techniques?
A: For a closed, minimally displaced, stable fracture of the pinky finger, non-surgical management is often the preferred treatment. Immobilization is key, and various splinting techniques can be effective. Buddy taping the injured finger to the adjacent finger offers support and limits motion. An ulnar gutter splint may be indicated for fractures of the fourth or fifth metacarpals or proximal phalanges. The optimal splint immobilization technique depends on the specific fracture location and stability. Ensure the splint maintains proper alignment and allows for adequate blood flow to the fingertip. Gentle range-of-motion exercises of the unaffected joints should be encouraged early to minimize stiffness. Pain management can be achieved with over-the-counter analgesics or prescription medication as needed. Consider implementing a standardized protocol for follow-up and functional rehabilitation to ensure optimal patient outcomes. Learn more about evidence-based protocols for finger fracture rehabilitation.
Patient presents with complaints consistent with a broken finger, also known as a finger fracture or phalanx fracture. Onset of symptoms occurred on [Date of onset] following [Mechanism of injury - e.g., fall, direct blow]. Patient reports [Specific location of pain - e.g., pain in the distal phalanx of the left index finger] characterized as [Character of pain - e.g., sharp, throbbing, aching]. Associated symptoms include [List associated symptoms - e.g., swelling, bruising, tenderness to palpation, limited range of motion, deformity, inability to grip]. Physical examination reveals [Objective findings - e.g., edema, ecchymosis, point tenderness over the [affected bone], crepitus, angular or rotational deformity]. Neurovascular assessment of the affected digit demonstrates [Sensory and motor function assessment findings - e.g., intact sensation, capillary refill less than 2 seconds, palpable radial pulse]. Radiographic imaging of the [affected finger] was ordered to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the fracture pattern. Differential diagnosis includes sprain, contusion, dislocation, and tendon injury. Preliminary diagnosis is consistent with a [Type of fracture - e.g., displaced, nondisplaced, comminuted, spiral, oblique, transverse] fracture of the [Specific bone - e.g., distal phalanx, proximal phalanx, middle phalanx] of the [Affected finger - e.g., left index finger]. Treatment plan includes [Treatment options - e.g., pain management with analgesics, immobilization with a splint or cast, referral to orthopedics for surgical intervention if indicated]. Patient education provided on fracture care, activity modification, follow-up appointments, and potential complications such as malunion, nonunion, infection, and stiffness. Return to activity will be determined based on healing progress and pain tolerance. ICD-10 code [Appropriate ICD-10 code - e.g., S62] and CPT code [Appropriate CPT code - e.g., for reduction, splinting, or other procedures] will be applied for billing and coding purposes.