Disp fx of low epiphy (separation) of l femr, 7thJ

Displaced fracture of lower epiphysis (separation) of left femur, subsequent encounter for open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC with delayed healing

📋Clinical Description

This code signifies a fracture of the growth plate at the bottom of the left thigh bone that has shifted out of alignment. It specifically indicates that this is a follow-up visit for an open fracture (where the bone broke through the skin) classified as severe (Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC), and the healing process is taking longer than expected.

🎯When to Use

Apply this code for a patient presenting for ongoing management of a previously sustained displaced Salter-Harris fracture of the distal left femur, where the initial injury was an open fracture of a severe type. This code is appropriate when the physician documents that the fracture is not healing at the anticipated rate.

💡Coding Tips

Ensure documentation specifies "left" femur and "displaced" lower epiphysis.
Verify the encounter is for "subsequent" care and that "delayed healing" is explicitly noted.
Confirm the original injury was an "open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC" as this is a crucial detail for this specific code.

AI-generated reference — verify against official guidelines

Code Hierarchy

▲S72.442Disp fx of lower epiphysis (separation) of left femur

S72.442J(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