Learn about metatarsal fracture diagnosis, including ICD-10 codes, clinical documentation tips, and healthcare best practices. Find information on metatarsal stress fracture, Jones fracture, metatarsal bone fracture, and other related foot injuries. This resource covers proper medical coding, treatment options, and recovery guidelines for healthcare professionals and patients seeking information on metatarsal fractures.
Also known as
Fracture of foot and toes
Covers fractures of metatarsals and other foot bones.
Fracture of metatarsal(s)
Specifically designates fractures of one or more metatarsal bones.
Fracture of toe(s)
Covers fractures of the phalanges of the toes.
Injuries to the lower limb
Encompasses a broader range of lower limb injuries, including foot fractures.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the fracture traumatic?
Yes
Which metatarsal?
No
Stress or Pathologic?
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Metatarsal Fracture |
| Metatarsal Stress Fracture |
| Metatarsalgia |
Incorrect or missing laterality (right, left, bilateral) for metatarsal fracture diagnosis codes can lead to claim denials and inaccurate data reporting.
Failure to specify the precise location and type of metatarsal fracture (e.g., stress, avulsion, Jones) impacts reimbursement and quality metrics.
Overlooking or undercoding associated injuries (e.g., dislocations, soft tissue damage) with metatarsal fractures can affect DRG assignment and payment.
Patient presents with complaints of metatarsal pain, metatarsalgia, and foot pain following a (mechanism of injury - e.g., twisting injury, fall, direct blow). Onset of symptoms occurred (timeframe). Patient localizes pain to the (specific metatarsal, e.g., fifth metatarsal, first metatarsal) region of the (right or left) foot. Physical exam reveals (tenderness, swelling, ecchymosis, deformity) over the affected area. Weight-bearing (is or is not) painful. Range of motion of the affected toe is (limited, normal) with (description of limitation if present). Neurovascular status of the foot is intact, with palpable dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial pulses. Radiographic imaging (X-ray, CT scan if obtained) of the foot reveals a (type of fracture - e.g., Jones fracture, stress fracture, avulsion fracture, transverse fracture, comminuted fracture) of the (specific metatarsal). Diagnosis of metatarsal fracture is confirmed. Treatment plan includes (conservative management with immobilization, RICE protocol - rest, ice, compression, elevation, surgical intervention, referral to orthopedics, pain management with NSAIDs or other analgesics, follow-up appointment). Patient education provided regarding metatarsal fracture care, including weight-bearing restrictions, activity modification, and potential complications such as nonunion, malunion, and complex regional pain syndrome. ICD-10 code (appropriate code based on fracture type and location) applied.