Understanding Distal Femur Fracture diagnosis, treatment, and documentation. Find information on distal femur fx, fracture of the lower end of the femur, and femur fracture distal. This resource covers clinical findings, medical coding, and healthcare best practices related to distal femur fractures. Learn about appropriate documentation for accurate diagnosis and coding of D Distal Femur Fracture.
Also known as
Fracture of lower end of femur
Fractures involving the distal end of the femur bone.
Fracture of femur
Encompasses all fractures of the femur bone.
Injuries to the hip and thigh
Includes various injuries to the hip and thigh region.
Injury, poisoning, and certain other consequences of external causes
Broad category covering injuries, poisonings, and external cause effects.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the fracture open or closed?
Open
Type I, II, or IIIa?
Closed
Displaced or nondisplaced?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Break in the lower end of the thigh bone. |
| Break in the shaft of the thigh bone. |
| Break in the upper end of the thigh bone. |
Coding requires specifying fracture type (e.g., transverse, comminuted) and laterality for accurate reimbursement and data analysis. ICD-10-CM coding guidelines mandate this level of detail.
Overlooking associated injuries like ligament tears or other fractures can lead to undercoding and lost revenue. Thorough documentation and query process are crucial for capturing all diagnoses.
Incorrect present on admission (POA) indicator can impact quality reporting and reimbursement. Accurate POA assignment is critical for compliance and data integrity.
Q: What are the key clinical features differentiating a stable distal femur fracture from an unstable one in an adult patient?
A: Distinguishing between stable and unstable distal femur fractures is crucial for determining appropriate management. Stable fractures, often involving minimal comminution and extra-articular extension, typically present with localized pain, swelling, and tenderness around the distal femur. Patients may be able to bear weight, albeit with discomfort. Radiographically, these fractures show a simple fracture line with minimal displacement. Unstable fractures, on the other hand, are characterized by significant comminution, articular involvement, and displacement. Clinically, these present with severe pain, marked swelling, deformity, and inability to bear weight. Radiographic findings will show significant displacement, comminution, and often intra-articular extension. Careful evaluation of both clinical presentation and radiographic findings is essential. Explore how advanced imaging modalities like CT scans can further aid in characterizing fracture complexity and informing surgical planning.
Q: How do I choose the best surgical approach (e.g., lateral locking plate, retrograde nail, ORIF) for a complex distal femur fracture with intra-articular involvement in an elderly patient with osteoporosis?
A: Surgical approach selection for complex distal femur fractures in elderly patients with osteoporosis requires careful consideration of multiple factors, including fracture pattern, bone quality, soft tissue condition, and patient comorbidities. Lateral locking plates offer excellent stability and allow for direct visualization of the articular surface, making them suitable for complex intra-articular fractures. However, they can be associated with higher rates of soft tissue complications. Retrograde nailing provides a minimally invasive approach, particularly beneficial in osteoporotic bone, but may be less suitable for highly comminuted intra-articular fractures. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with plates and screws can address complex articular involvement but carries higher risk of infection and nonunion in patients with compromised bone quality. Consider implementing a multidisciplinary approach involving orthopedic trauma specialists and geriatricians to individualize treatment plans based on patient-specific factors. Learn more about the latest evidence-based guidelines on the management of geriatric distal femur fractures.
Patient presents with complaints consistent with a distal femur fracture. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the knee and distal thigh. The mechanism of injury was [insert mechanism, e.g., fall from height, motor vehicle accident, sports injury]. Physical examination reveals tenderness to palpation over the distal femur, with possible deformity or crepitus. Neurovascular status of the extremity was assessed and documented as [insert neurovascular status, e.g., intact, diminished, absent]. Radiographic imaging of the distal femur was ordered and confirmed the presence of a fracture. The fracture is classified as [insert fracture classification, e.g., extra-articular, intra-articular, comminuted, displaced] based on radiographic findings. Differential diagnoses considered include knee sprain, ligamentous injury, and patellar fracture. The patient was advised on pain management strategies, including ice, elevation, and analgesics. Treatment plan includes [insert treatment plan, e.g., closed reduction and casting, open reduction internal fixation (ORIF), referral to orthopedics]. Patient education was provided regarding fracture care, weight-bearing restrictions, and potential complications such as deep vein thrombosis, infection, and nonunion. Follow-up appointment scheduled in [insert timeframe, e.g., one week, two weeks] for reassessment and further management. ICD-10 code S72.90XA assigned for unspecified fracture of lower end of femur, initial encounter for closed fracture. CPT codes will be assigned based on procedures performed.