Learn about Fifth Metacarpal Fracture (Boxer's Fracture) diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding, and healthcare best practices. Find information on F5 Metacarpal Fracture treatment, ICD-10 codes for fracture of the fifth metacarpal, and proper documentation for Boxer's Fracture in medical records. This resource provides essential information for healthcare professionals dealing with fifth metacarpal fractures.
Also known as
Fractures of hand and fingers
Covers fractures of the hand bones, including metacarpals.
Injuries to the wrist, hand and fingers
Includes various injuries like sprains, strains, and fractures.
Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes
Broad category encompassing a range of injuries from various causes.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the fracture of the right hand?
Yes
Is the fracture displaced?
No
Is the fracture displaced?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Break in the fifth metacarpal bone of the hand. |
| Fracture of the neck of the fifth metacarpal. |
| Break in any metacarpal bone (excluding thumb). |
Missing or unclear documentation of left or right hand fracture impacts accurate coding and reimbursement.
Insufficient detail (e.g., displaced, comminuted) can lead to incorrect code assignment and affect DRG.
Choosing between unspecified fracture (S62.63-) and specific types (e.g., S62.631A) requires precise documentation.
Q: What are the key clinical indicators differentiating a Boxer's Fracture from a simple metacarpal neck fracture of the fifth metacarpal, and how do these inform my management approach?
A: While both Boxer's Fractures and other fifth metacarpal neck fractures involve a break in the neck of the bone, key distinctions help determine management. Boxer's Fractures specifically involve the distal fifth metacarpal and often result from axial loading with a clenched fist. The degree of angulation, rotational deformity, and involvement of the metacarpophalangeal joint are crucial. Angulation greater than 40 degrees in a Boxer's Fracture often necessitates reduction, which can be achieved either closed or operatively, depending on the complexity of the fracture and the patient's functional needs. Rotational deformities can lead to overlapping of the fingers and must be addressed. Consider implementing a standardized assessment protocol including physical examination, radiographic imaging, and evaluation of functional limitations to guide treatment decisions. Explore how factors such as patient age, activity level, and hand dominance influence the choice between conservative management with immobilization and more invasive surgical interventions. Learn more about the latest evidence-based guidelines for managing hand fractures.
Q: When is surgical intervention, such as open reduction internal fixation (ORIF), indicated for a fifth metacarpal fracture, particularly in cases with significant volar angulation, and what are the potential complications I should discuss with my patients?
A: Surgical intervention like ORIF for a fifth metacarpal fracture is typically considered when conservative management, such as closed reduction and casting, is unlikely to achieve acceptable anatomical alignment and functional restoration. Significant volar angulation, typically exceeding 40 degrees, rotational deformity, instability, or intra-articular involvement often warrant surgical consideration. In cases of a severely comminuted or unstable fracture, ORIF provides more rigid fixation and allows for earlier mobilization. When discussing ORIF with patients, it's essential to outline potential complications which may include infection, stiffness, non-union or malunion, hardware prominence, complex regional pain syndrome, and the need for hardware removal. Consider implementing a shared decision-making approach to balance the risks and benefits of surgical and non-surgical management based on individual patient factors. Explore how advances in surgical techniques and implant technologies are minimizing complications and improving outcomes in fifth metacarpal fracture management.
Patient presents with pain, swelling, and tenderness localized to the fifth metacarpal, consistent with a suspected fifth metacarpal fracture, also known as a boxer's fracture. Mechanism of injury reported as [insert mechanism, e.g., striking a hard object with a closed fist]. Physical examination reveals [insert specific findings, e.g., edema, ecchymosis, deformity, limited range of motion of the affected digit]. Point tenderness is noted over the distal fifth metacarpal. Neurovascular assessment of the hand reveals [insert sensory and motor function assessment, e.g., intact radial and ulnar pulses, capillary refill less than 2 seconds, normal sensation in the median, ulnar, and radial nerve distributions]. Radiographic imaging of the hand, specifically a PA and lateral view, was ordered to confirm the diagnosis and assess fracture displacement and angulation. Differential diagnosis includes metacarpal contusion, soft tissue injury, and carpometacarpal dislocation. Based on clinical presentation and imaging findings, the diagnosis of fifth metacarpal fracture (ICD-10 S92.14XA) is confirmed. Treatment plan includes [insert treatment details, e.g., closed reduction if indicated, immobilization with ulnar gutter splint, pain management with analgesics, referral to hand surgery for definitive management if necessary]. Patient education provided regarding fracture care, activity restrictions, and follow-up appointments. Return to work or sports activity will be determined based on fracture healing and functional recovery. Patient advised to follow up in [duration] for repeat radiographic evaluation and clinical assessment.