S85.012
Laceration of popliteal artery, left leg
Clinical Classification Guidelines
Medical Intelligence & Overview
A laceration of the popliteal artery refers to a tear or cut in this major blood vessel located behind the knee in the left leg. The popliteal artery supplies blood to the lower leg, and injury to it can cause significant health concerns due to blood loss and potential damage to the surrounding tissues. Recognized under ICD-10 code S85.012, this condition requires prompt medical attention to prevent complications such as limb ischemia or amputation.
Causes & Symptoms
Clinical Causes: Trauma from falls or accidents Penetrating injuries like stab wounds or gunshot wounds Surgical complications or iatrogenic injuries during procedures High-impact sports injuries Crush injuries to the leg
Key Symptoms: Severe pain behind the knee or in the lower leg Excessive bleeding or hematoma formation Swelling and tenderness in the affected area Pale or cold skin on the lower leg or foot Weak or absent pulses in the foot or distal leg Possible numbness or tingling sensation Loss of function or movement in the toes or foot
Diagnostic & Treatment
Diagnosis Path: Vascular assessment to detect absent or weakened pulses Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow Angiography, such as CT or magnetic resonance angiography, to locate the injury precisely X-rays if bone injury or foreign bodies are suspected
Treatment Protocols: Emergency surgical repair to sew or bypass the torn artery Endovascular procedures like stent placement when appropriate Blood transfusions if significant blood loss has occurred Administration of antibiotics to prevent infection Postoperative monitoring of blood flow and limb viability Physical therapy to regain function after healing
Clinical Advice & FAQs
Billing Guidance
Is S85.012 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, S85.012 is a specific, billable code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.
Documentation
How do I report S85.012?
Clinical documentation must specify the nature of Laceration of popliteal artery, left leg and any associated comorbidities for accurate reporting.
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