Displ commnt fx shaft of l femr, 7thJ

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

📋Clinical Description

This code describes a complex fracture involving the shaft of the left femur, where the bone is broken into multiple fragments and the ends are not properly aligned. It specifically indicates an open fracture (meaning the skin and soft tissues were also compromised) of a severe type (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC), and the patient is currently experiencing delayed healing during a subsequent encounter for this injury.

🎯When to Use

Use this code for follow-up encounters where a patient is being treated for a previously diagnosed displaced comminuted open fracture of the left femoral shaft, and the healing process is not progressing as expected. This applies when the initial open fracture was classified as type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC, indicating significant soft tissue damage.

💡Coding Tips

Ensure documentation clearly specifies "delayed healing" for the J seventh character.
Verify the open fracture type (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) is documented from the initial injury.
Confirm the fracture is of the femoral shaft and on the left side.

AI-generated reference — verify against official guidelines

Code Hierarchy

▲S72.352Displaced comminuted fracture of shaft of left femur

S72.352J(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