S42.012
Anterior displaced fracture of sternal end of left clavicle
Clinical Classification Guidelines
Medical Intelligence & Overview
An anterior displaced fracture of the sternal end of the left clavicle is a type of shoulder injury where the collarbone (clavicle) breaks near its connection to the sternum (breastbone). When displaced anteriorly, the broken ends of the clavicle move forward, which can affect shoulder function and cause deformity. This injury typically results from direct trauma or a fall onto the shoulder and often requires medical evaluation and treatment to ensure proper healing and restore shoulder mobility.
Causes & Symptoms
Clinical Causes: Direct blow to the shoulder or collarbone from a fall or accident Fall onto an outstretched arm, transmitting force to the clavicle Sports injuries, especially contact sports Traffic accidents or high-impact trauma Falls in elderly individuals due to weakened bones
Key Symptoms: Pain at the front of the shoulder or near the clavicle Visible deformity or bump at the sternal end of the clavicle Swelling and tenderness over the fracture site Difficulty moving the arm or shoulder, especially raising the arm Limited shoulder strength and mobility Potential bruising or discoloration around the injury
Diagnostic & Treatment
Diagnosis Path: Review the patient’s medical history and injury details Perform a physical exam to assess deformity, tenderness, and range of motion Order X-ray imaging of the shoulder to confirm the fracture and determine displacement In some cases, additional imaging like CT scans may be used for detailed assessment
Treatment Protocols: Conservative management with arm immobilization using a sling or figure-of-eight bandage to keep the shoulder steady during healing Pain management with medications such as acetaminophen or NSAIDs Monitoring the healing process through follow-up visits and imaging Physical therapy exercises to restore shoulder strength and mobility after initial healing Surgical intervention in cases of significant displacement, where the bone may need to be realigned and stabilized with pins, plates, or screws Postoperative care including rest, pain management, and gradual rehabilitation
Clinical Advice & FAQs
Billing Guidance
Is S42.012 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, S42.012 is a specific, billable code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.
Documentation
How do I report S42.012?
Clinical documentation must specify the nature of Anterior displaced fracture of sternal end of left clavicle and any associated comorbidities for accurate reporting.
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