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S82.53XA
ICD-10-CM
Medial Malleolus Fracture

Find information on Medial Malleolus Fracture diagnosis, including clinical documentation tips, ICD-10 and CPT codes, healthcare guidelines, and treatment protocols. Learn about Weber classification, anatomical location, radiographic findings, and associated injuries like posterior malleolus fracture or bimalleolar fracture. This resource supports accurate medical coding, billing, and optimal patient care for medial malleolus fractures.

Also known as

Inner Ankle Fracture
Tibial Malleolus Fracture

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Break in the bony prominence on the inner side of the ankle.
  • Clinical Signs : Pain, swelling, bruising, tenderness over medial malleolus, difficulty walking.
  • Common Settings : Sports injuries, falls, twisting the ankle.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC S82.53XA Coding
S82.4-

Fracture of medial malleolus

Fracture of the bony prominence on the inner ankle.

S82-

Fracture of lower leg

Fractures involving the tibia, fibula, or ankle.

S80-S89

Fractures of lower leg/ankle

Encompasses all fractures of the lower leg and ankle regions.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.

Is the fracture closed?

  • Yes

    Displaced?

  • No

    Displaced?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Medial Malleolus Fracture
Lateral Malleolus Fracture
Bimalleolar Fracture

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Medial malleolus fracture: Document mechanism of injury.
  • Laterality (left vs. right) crucial for accurate coding.
  • Specify displaced vs. non-displaced fracture.
  • Weber classification (A, B, C) if applicable.
  • Associated injuries (e.g., ligament, fibula) documented.

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Laterality Documentation

    Missing or unclear documentation of the affected side (right, left, or bilateral) for accurate coding.

  • Fracture Specificity

    Insufficient documentation describing the fracture type (e.g., displaced, comminuted, open) impacts code selection and reimbursement.

  • Associated Injuries

    Overlooked or undercoded associated injuries (ligament tears, fibular fractures) can lead to lost revenue and compliance issues.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Accurate ICD-10 coding: S72.401A-S72.409A initial encounter
  • Document fracture type, location, displacement for CDI
  • Capture laterality, mechanism of injury for compliance
  • X-ray imaging, Weber classification essential documentation
  • Ensure clear documentation for proper reimbursement

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Localized pain medial ankle (ICD-10 S82.6)
  • 2. Tenderness over medial malleolus (SNOMED CT 22536001)
  • 3. Swelling/ecchymosis - document location/size
  • 4. Obtain ankle X-ray (CPT 73600) - AP/Lateral/Oblique views

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Medial Malleolus Fracture Reimbursement: ICD-10 S82.6, CPT 27766-27830. Coding accuracy impacts revenue cycle.
  • Quality metrics: Time to surgery, pain management, functional outcomes post-op. Accurate coding improves reporting.
  • Hospital reporting: Complications (e.g., infection), readmissions, patient satisfaction scores influence reimbursement.
  • Optimize billing: Proper documentation, modifier use (e.g., -59), prevent denials, maximize reimbursement.

Streamline Your Medical Coding

Let S10.AI help you select the most accurate ICD-10 codes. Our AI-powered assistant ensures compliance and reduces coding errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions and Answers

Q: What are the most effective conservative management strategies for stable, Weber A medial malleolus fractures in adults?

A: Conservative management of stable, Weber A medial malleolus fractures in adults typically focuses on pain control, edema reduction, and protected weight-bearing. Key strategies include immobilization with a cast, brace, or splint for 4-6 weeks, regular RICE therapy (rest, ice, compression, elevation), and early range of motion exercises as tolerated. The weight-bearing status should be determined by fracture stability and patient comfort, often progressing from non-weight-bearing to partial weight-bearing then full weight-bearing as the fracture heals. Regular clinical and radiographic follow-up is essential to monitor healing progress. Consider implementing standardized protocols for pain management and rehabilitation to optimize patient outcomes. Explore how weight-bearing protocols can impact return to function.

Q: How do I differentiate between a medial malleolus fracture and a deltoid ligament injury, and what imaging modalities are best for accurate diagnosis?

A: Differentiating between a medial malleolus fracture and a deltoid ligament injury can be challenging, as both present with medial ankle pain and tenderness. Medial malleolus fractures often present with palpable bony tenderness or deformity, whereas deltoid ligament injuries may manifest with diffuse tenderness along the medial ankle. Weight-bearing radiographs are essential for initial evaluation, and while they effectively visualize fractures, they may not always reveal deltoid ligament injuries. Stress radiographs or MRI are often needed to accurately assess deltoid ligament integrity, especially in suspected high-grade injuries. Explore how dynamic ultrasound can be used in conjunction with other imaging modalities for a comprehensive assessment. Learn more about the Ottawa Ankle Rules and their application in these cases to guide imaging decisions.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • ICD-10 S12.5xxA, specify laterality
  • Document fracture type (eg, displaced)
  • X-ray confirms diagnosis
  • Include mechanism of injury
  • Check 7th character guidelines

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints of medial ankle pain, swelling, and ecchymosis following a twisting injury mechanism.  Onset of symptoms occurred [timeframe] ago during [activity causing injury].  Patient reports [weight-bearing status; e.g., able to bear weight, unable to bear weight, partial weight-bearing].  Physical examination reveals tenderness to palpation over the medial malleolus, with palpable bony irregularity in some cases.  Ankle range of motion is limited due to pain.  Neurovascular examination of the affected extremity is intact, with palpable dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses.  Radiographic imaging of the ankle, specifically AP, lateral, and mortise views, confirms the diagnosis of a medial malleolus fracture.  The fracture is classified as [Weber classification; e.g., Weber A, Weber B, Weber C] and described as [fracture description; e.g., displaced, nondisplaced, comminuted, spiral].  Assessment includes medial malleolus fracture, ankle sprain, and pain management.  Differential diagnosis considered ankle ligament injury.  Treatment plan includes [conservative or surgical management; e.g., immobilization with a short leg cast, open reduction internal fixation (ORIF), closed reduction].  Patient educated on pain management, RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, elevation), and follow-up care.  Referral to orthopedics for definitive management may be necessary.  ICD-10 code S82.6 assigned for closed medial malleolus fracture.  CPT codes for potential procedures may include [relevant CPT codes depending on treatment; e.g., 27766, 27810].  Return to clinic scheduled in [timeframe] for follow-up evaluation and assessment of fracture healing.
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