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S82.399A
ICD-10-CM
Posterior Malleolus Fracture

Find information on Posterior Malleolus Fracture diagnosis, including clinical documentation tips, ICD-10 and CPT codes, healthcare guidelines, treatment protocols, and post-operative care. Learn about posterior malleolus fracture symptoms, anatomy, classification, surgical techniques, and rehabilitation strategies. This comprehensive resource helps medical professionals accurately document and code posterior malleolus fractures for optimal patient care and billing.

Also known as

Volkmann Fracture

Diagnosis Snapshot

Key Facts
  • Definition : Break in the bony prominence on the back of the ankle (outer side).
  • Clinical Signs : Ankle pain, swelling, bruising, difficulty walking, limited range of motion.
  • Common Settings : Falls, sports injuries, twisting injuries, high-impact trauma.

Related ICD-10 Code Ranges

Complete code families applicable to AAPC S82.399A Coding
S72.4

Fracture of lower end of fibula

This code specifies fractures of the posterior malleolus.

S72

Fracture of lower leg, including ankle

Includes various lower leg fractures, encompassing ankle fractures.

S00-T98

Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes

Broad category encompassing injuries like fractures due to external causes.

Code-Specific Guidance

Decision Tree for

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

Is the fracture closed or open?

Code Comparison

Related Codes Comparison

When to use each related code

Description
Posterior malleolus fracture
Trimalleolar fracture
Bimalleolar fracture

Documentation Best Practices

Documentation Checklist
  • Posterior malleolus fracture ICD-10 S82.5
  • Document mechanism of injury (MOI)
  • Laterality: specify left or right ankle
  • Weber classification if applicable
  • Fracture displacement, if present

Coding and Audit Risks

Common Risks
  • Laterality Unspecified

    Coding lacks right or left laterality for Posterior Malleolus Fracture, causing claim rejection or inaccurate data.

  • Displaced vs Undisplaced

    Failure to specify displacement status of the fracture impacts severity coding and reimbursement.

  • Associated Injuries

    Overlooking other fractures or ligament tears during coding leads to underreporting severity and missed revenue.

Mitigation Tips

Best Practices
  • Accurate ICD-10 coding: S72.4xx for posterior malleolus fx. Ensure 7th character specificity.
  • Detailed documentation of mechanism of injury, fracture type, and displacement for optimal reimbursement.
  • Weight-bearing status, associated injuries (eg, syndesmosis) must be documented for proper CDI.
  • Compare imaging findings with physical exam. Discrepancies? Document clinical rationale for code selection.
  • Timely follow-up scheduling documented. Aids compliance and improves patient outcomes.

Clinical Decision Support

Checklist
  • 1. Tenderness posterior distal fibula ICD-10 S82.4
  • 2. Assess for ankle instability, edema CPT 27786
  • 3. Lateral X-ray document fibular fracture
  • 4. Evaluate for associated injuries SNOMED CT 432999003
  • 5. Palpate for bony step-off, crepitus

Reimbursement and Quality Metrics

Impact Summary
  • Posterior Malleolus Fracture Reimbursement: CPT 27814, 27822, 27823 impacts ORIF reimbursement. ICD-10 S82.4 coding accuracy crucial for appropriate payment.
  • Quality Metrics Impact: Surgical site infection rates (SSI), post-op complications affect hospital value-based purchasing.
  • Coding Accuracy: Precise fracture classification (Weber) coding impacts severity scores and hospital quality reporting.
  • Hospital Reporting: Accurate documentation, coding, and outcomes data influence hospital rankings and public perception.

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.

Quick Tips

Practical Coding Tips
  • Code S82.6 for posterior malleolus fx
  • ICD-10 S82.6, specify displacement
  • Document mechanism of injury
  • Include laterality (left/right)
  • X-ray confirmation vital for S82.6

Documentation Templates

Patient presents with complaints of ankle pain and swelling following a (mechanism of injury, e.g., twisting injury, fall).  On examination, there is tenderness to palpation over the posterior malleolus, ecchymosis, and edema.  Range of motion is limited due to pain.  Weight-bearing status is (weight-bearing, non-weight-bearing, partial weight-bearing) as tolerated.  Neurovascular examination reveals intact distal pulses and sensation.  Radiographic imaging (X-ray, CT scan) of the ankle confirms a posterior malleolus fracture.  The fracture is classified as (e.g., Weber type B, Maisonneuve fracture) with (describe displacement, comminution, intra-articular involvement).  Diagnosis: Posterior malleolus fracture.  Differential diagnoses considered include ankle sprain, talar fracture, and fibular fracture.  Treatment plan includes (conservative management with immobilization, surgical intervention with open reduction internal fixation ORIF, closed reduction percutaneous pinning CRPP).  Patient education provided regarding pain management, RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, elevation), and follow-up care.  Referral to orthopedics or podiatry may be necessary depending on fracture complexity.  ICD-10 code S82.5 assigned.  CPT codes for procedures performed will be documented separately.  Prognosis is generally good with appropriate treatment, although complications such as post-traumatic arthritis, malunion, nonunion, and complex regional pain syndrome CRPS are possible.  Follow-up scheduled in (duration) for repeat radiographic evaluation and clinical assessment.