S85.14
Laceration of anterior tibial artery
Clinical Classification Guidelines
Medical Intelligence & Overview
A laceration of the anterior tibial artery is a serious injury involving a cut or tear to one of the main blood vessels in the lower leg. The anterior tibial artery supplies blood to the front part of the lower leg and the foot. When this artery is lacerated, it can lead to significant bleeding and compromised blood flow, which may require urgent medical attention. This condition is classified under ICD-10 code S85.14 and is typically caused by traumatic injuries such as cuts, falls, or accidents.
Causes & Symptoms
Clinical Causes: Sharp objects like knives, glass, or metal tools causing cuts on the leg High-impact falls that result in direct trauma to the lower leg Motor vehicle accidents involving leg injuries Industrial or workplace accidents involving machinery Sports injuries from contact sports or falls
Key Symptoms: Intense pain at the site of injury Rapid or excessive bleeding from the wound Swelling and tenderness in the front part of the lower leg Possible discoloration or bruising around the injury Weakness or numbness in the foot or toes due to compromised blood flow Cold or pale skin distal to the injury site Difficulty moving or bearing weight on the affected leg
Diagnostic & Treatment
Diagnosis Path: Visual inspection of the wound to assess the extent of injury Palpation to check for pulse and blood flow in the affected limb Doppler ultrasound to evaluate blood flow and identify vascular injury Imaging studies such as angiography if deeper or more complex injuries are suspected Assessment for signs of shock or other complications resulting from blood loss
Treatment Protocols: Applying direct pressure to control bleeding and prevent further blood loss Cleaning and disinfecting the wound to prevent infection Surgical repair of the artery, which may involve suturing or grafting Stitches or staples to close the skin incision after vascular repair Administration of antibiotics if infection risk is present Monitoring for signs of compartment syndrome or other complications Follow-up care including physical therapy to regain strength and mobility
Clinical Advice & FAQs
Billing Guidance
Is S85.14 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, S85.14 is a specific, billable code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.
Documentation
How do I report S85.14?
Clinical documentation must specify the nature of Laceration of anterior tibial artery and any associated comorbidities for accurate reporting.
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