ICD-10-CM Billable Code

S72.433

Displaced fracture of medial condyle of unspecified femur

Clinical Classification Guidelines

Medical Intelligence & Overview

A displaced fracture of the medial condyle of the femur is a serious injury that affects the inner part of the thigh bone near the knee joint. This type of fracture occurs when the bone is broken into two or more pieces, and the alignment of the bone fragments has been disturbed. Such injuries typically result from high-impact trauma, such as falls, car accidents, or sports injuries. Recognizing and understanding this fracture is crucial for proper medical intervention and recovery.

Causes & Symptoms

Clinical Causes: High-impact traumas like falls from significant heights Motor vehicle accidents Sports-related injuries, especially those involving twisting or direct blows to the knee A direct blow to the knee that causes the femur to break Bone fragility due to osteoporosis or other underlying conditions

Key Symptoms: Severe pain in the knee or thigh Swelling and tenderness around the knee Deformity or unnatural appearance of the knee Inability or difficulty moving the leg Bruising around the injured area Feeling of instability or looseness in the knee joint Possible numbness or tingling if nerves are affected Difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg

Diagnostic & Treatment

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis of a displaced medial condyle fracture typically involves a combination of physical examination and imaging tests. Healthcare providers will examine the knee for signs of swelling, deformity, and tenderness. X-rays are the primary imaging modality used to confirm the presence of the fracture, determine its displacement, and assess the overall alignment of the femur. In some cases, additional imaging such as CT scans may be recommended for detailed evaluation of complex fractures.

Treatment Protocols: Treating a displaced fracture of the medial condyle of the femur generally requires surgical intervention to realign and stabilize the broken bone fragments. The common approaches include the use of surgical screws, plates, or pins to secure the fracture. Post-surgery, a period of immobilization with a cast or brace may be necessary to ensure proper healing. Following initial recovery, physical therapy is often essential to regain strength, mobility, and function in the knee joint. In some cases, especially if the fracture is less severe or non-displaced, conservative management with immobilization and closely monitored recovery might be considered, but displaced fractures almost always require surgical treatment.

Reimbursement claims with a date of service on or after October 1, 2015 require the use of ICD-10-CM codes.

Clinical Advice & FAQs

Billing Guidance

Is S72.433 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, S72.433 is a specific, billable code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

Documentation

How do I report S72.433?
Clinical documentation must specify the nature of Displaced fracture of medial condyle of unspecified femur and any associated comorbidities for accurate reporting.

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