Sltr-haris Type IV physl fx low end unsp femr, 7thK

Salter-Harris Type IV physeal fracture of lower end of unspecified femur, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion

📋Clinical Description

This code signifies a Salter-Harris Type IV fracture affecting the growth plate at the lower end of an unspecified femur, which is currently experiencing nonunion. This type of fracture involves both the epiphysis and metaphysis, extending through the physis, and the bone fragments have failed to heal together after an initial treatment.

🎯When to Use

Apply this code for follow-up encounters where a patient is being treated for a previously diagnosed Salter-Harris Type IV physeal fracture of the distal femur that has not healed. This includes situations where surgical intervention for nonunion is being planned or performed, or during ongoing conservative management of the nonunion.

💡Coding Tips

Ensure documentation clearly states "nonunion" for the fracture.
Verify the encounter is "subsequent" and not the initial treatment for the fracture.
Confirm the fracture location is the lower end of the femur; if left or right is specified, a more specific code should be used.

AI-generated reference — verify against official guidelines

Code Hierarchy

▲S79.149Sltr-haris Type IV physeal fx lower end of unsp femur

S79.149K(current)

Crosswalks

733.82ApproxICD-9

Same Category

S79Other and unspecified injuries of hip and thigh S79.0Physeal fracture of upper end of femur S79.00Unspecified physeal fracture of upper end of femur S79.001Unspecified physeal fracture of upper end of right femur S79.001A