ICD-10-CM Billable Code

S79.111

Salter-Harris Type I physeal fracture of lower end of right femur

Clinical Classification Guidelines

Medical Intelligence & Overview

A Salter-Harris Type I physeal fracture of the lower end of the right femur is a specific type of bone injury that occurs in children and adolescents. This injury involves a fracture through the growth plate (physis) of the femur, the bone located in the thigh. Such fractures are significant because they affect the part of the bone responsible for growth, making proper diagnosis and treatment essential to ensure normal limb development and function.

Causes & Symptoms

Clinical Causes: Sports injuries such as falls, collisions, or sudden twisting movements Traumatic falls or accidents causing direct impact to the thigh or knee area Motor vehicle accidents involving trauma to the lower limb Twisting injuries during physical activity or play High-impact falls from a height onto the knee or thigh

Key Symptoms: Pain in the area of the lower thigh or around the knee Swelling and tenderness near the knee joint Limited movement of the affected leg Possible deformity or abnormal positioning of the leg Difficulty bearing weight or walking

Diagnostic & Treatment

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis typically involves a thorough physical examination followed by imaging studies to confirm the fracture. Common diagnostic steps include: - X-rays of the knee and thigh in different views to identify the fracture and assess its severity - Sometimes, MRI or CT scans are used to get detailed images if the fracture is complex or not clearly visible on X-ray - Assessment of the growth plate status to determine the extent of injury and plan treatment accordingly

Treatment Protocols: Management of a Salter-Harris Type I fracture aims to realign the bone and promote proper healing while minimizing risks to growth. Treatment options include: - Non-surgical methods, such as: - Immobilization with a cast or brace to keep the leg still - Pain management strategies - Surgical intervention, if necessary, to realign the fracture using pins or other fixation devices - Close follow-up to monitor healing progress through periodic X-rays - Rehabilitation exercises to regain strength and mobility after the initial healing phase Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to prevent growth disturbances or deformities. The overall prognosis is generally good with proper care, and most children recover fully from this type of fracture.

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 S79.111 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, S79.111 is a specific, billable code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

Documentation

How do I report S79.111?
Clinical documentation must specify the nature of Salter-Harris Type I physeal fracture of lower end of right femur and any associated comorbidities for accurate reporting.

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