Disp fx of low epiphy (separation) of unsp femr, 7thF

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

📋Clinical Description

This code signifies a displaced fracture affecting the growth plate at the bottom of an unspecified femur. It specifically indicates a subsequent encounter for an open fracture that was initially classified as type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC, and is now healing routinely. The "unspecified femur" means the laterality (left or right) is not documented.

🎯When to Use

Apply this code when a patient presents for follow-up care of a previously treated open Salter-Harris type I or II fracture of the distal femoral physis. This is appropriate when the fracture is healing as expected without complications, and the initial injury was an open fracture of a significant severity (Gustilo-Anderson IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC).

💡Coding Tips

Ensure documentation specifies "subsequent encounter" and "routine healing" for an open fracture.
Verify the fracture involves the lower epiphysis of the femur and is displaced.
If laterality (left/right) is known, select a more specific code from the S72.44- series.

AI-generated reference — verify against official guidelines

Code Hierarchy

▲S72.443Disp fx of lower epiphysis (separation) of unspecified femur

S72.443F(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