Displ oblique fx shaft of unsp femr, 7thJ

Displaced oblique fracture of shaft of unspecified femur, subsequent encounter for open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC with delayed healing

📋Clinical Description

This code describes a femur shaft fracture that runs obliquely, where the bone fragments are no longer in their normal alignment. It specifically indicates that this is a follow-up encounter for an open fracture (meaning the skin was broken) classified as Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC, and the healing process is taking longer than expected.

🎯When to Use

Use this code for patients presenting for ongoing management of a previously treated open oblique femoral shaft fracture (Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) that is not healing at the anticipated rate. This would include follow-up appointments, cast changes, or further interventions due to delayed union.

💡Coding Tips

Ensure documentation clearly specifies "delayed healing" and the open fracture type (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC).
Confirm the encounter is for subsequent care, not the initial treatment.
Verify the fracture location is the shaft of the femur and the fracture pattern is oblique.

AI-generated reference — verify against official guidelines

Code Hierarchy

▲S72.333Displaced oblique fracture of shaft of unspecified femur

S72.333J(current)

Crosswalks

V54.15ApproxICD-9

Same Category

S72Fracture of femur S72.0Fracture of head and neck of femur S72.00Fracture of unspecified part of neck of femur S72.001Fracture of unspecified part of neck of right femur S72.001AFracture of unsp part of neck of right femur, init