Understanding Clavicle Fracture diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. Find information on Collarbone Fracture clinical documentation, medical coding, ICD-10 codes, and healthcare resources for broken clavicle injuries. Learn about clavicular fracture symptoms, causes, and treatment options for optimal patient care.
Also known as
Fracture of clavicle
Covers fractures of the clavicle, including closed, open, and displaced types.
Certain early complications of trauma
Includes complications like compartment syndrome or fat embolism after a clavicle fracture.
Stress fracture of the clavicle
Specifically for stress fractures of the clavicle, not acute traumatic fractures.
Activity, causing injury of shoulder and upper arm
Can be used to specify the activity causing the clavicle fracture, like sports.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the clavicle fracture closed?
Yes
Is the fracture displaced?
No
Is there a specified type of open fracture?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Broken collarbone. |
| Shoulder separation AC joint. |
| Shoulder separation SC joint. |
Missing or incorrect laterality (right, left, unspecified) for the clavicle fracture can lead to claim denials or inaccurate reporting.
Coding must specify the type of clavicle fracture (e.g., displaced, comminuted, greenstick) for proper reimbursement and data analysis. ICD-10-CM coding requires more detail than ICD-9-CM.
Often, other injuries accompany clavicle fractures. Failure to code associated injuries like acromioclavicular joint injuries or brachial plexus injuries impacts reimbursement and quality metrics.
Q: What are the best evidence-based non-surgical treatment options for a displaced midshaft clavicle fracture in a healthy adult patient?
A: Non-surgical management is often the preferred treatment for displaced midshaft clavicle fractures in healthy adults, provided there is no associated neurovascular compromise or open fracture. Current evidence suggests that conservative treatment with initial immobilization using a sling or figure-of-eight brace, followed by early mobilization and range-of-motion exercises, leads to similar functional outcomes and lower complication rates compared to surgical intervention in many cases. Pain management is crucial and can involve analgesics, NSAIDs, and ice application. The specific immobilization duration and rehabilitation protocol should be individualized based on patient factors such as age, activity level, and fracture displacement. Explore how our advanced imaging analysis tools can help assess fracture characteristics and inform treatment decisions. Consider implementing a standardized follow-up protocol that includes clinical examination and radiographic assessment to monitor healing progress and identify potential complications like nonunion or malunion. Learn more about the latest research on clavicle fracture management in our dedicated resources section.
Q: When is surgical intervention indicated for a clavicle fracture, and what are the preferred surgical techniques according to current best practice?
A: While most clavicle fractures heal successfully with non-operative treatment, surgical intervention is sometimes warranted. Indications for surgery include open fractures, severely displaced fractures with significant shortening (greater than 2 cm), fractures with associated neurovascular compromise, and symptomatic nonunions. Preferred surgical techniques include plate fixation, intramedullary nailing, and external fixation. Plate fixation is often considered the gold standard for complex fractures or those with significant shortening, providing excellent stability and allowing for early mobilization. Intramedullary nailing is a less invasive option but may not be suitable for all fracture patterns. The choice of surgical technique depends on factors like fracture location, displacement, and surgeon experience. Explore the benefits and drawbacks of different surgical approaches for clavicle fractures in our comprehensive surgical guide. Consider implementing a pre-operative planning protocol that includes advanced imaging studies to optimize surgical outcomes. Learn more about post-operative rehabilitation strategies for clavicle fracture patients.
Patient presents with complaints consistent with a clavicle fracture, also known as a broken clavicle or collarbone fracture. Onset of symptoms followed [Mechanism of injury - e.g., fall on outstretched hand, direct blow to shoulder]. Patient reports [Symptom - e.g., pain, swelling, tenderness] at the site of injury. Physical examination reveals [Physical exam findings - e.g., point tenderness over the clavicle, crepitus, deformity, limited range of motion in the affected shoulder]. Neurovascular status of the affected extremity was assessed and found to be [Neurovascular status - e.g., intact, diminished]. Radiographic imaging of the clavicle was ordered to confirm the diagnosis and assess the fracture type, location (distal, middle, proximal third), and displacement. Differential diagnoses considered include acromioclavicular joint injury, shoulder dislocation, and contusion. Based on clinical findings and imaging results, a diagnosis of [Type of fracture - e.g., displaced midshaft clavicle fracture, non-displaced distal clavicle fracture] was made. Treatment plan includes [Treatment plan - e.g., sling immobilization, pain management with analgesics, referral to orthopedics for further evaluation and management, surgical intervention if indicated]. Patient education provided on proper sling use, activity modification, follow-up care, and potential complications such as malunion, nonunion, and neurovascular compromise. ICD-10 code [Appropriate ICD-10 code - e.g., S42.001A] assigned. Follow-up scheduled in [Duration - e.g., one week] to monitor healing progress and adjust treatment plan as needed.