Retained animal quills or spines

This code signifies the presence of a foreign body, specifically animal quills or spines, embedded within a patient's tissue. It indicates an active clinical issue requiring removal or management due to the retained foreign material.

Apply this code when a patient presents with a history of exposure to animals with quills (e.g., porcupines, echidnas) or spines (e.g., sea urchins, certain fish), and physical examination or imaging confirms the retention of these foreign bodies. This is appropriate for both acute and subacute presentations where the quills/spines are still present.

• Always code the specific anatomical site of the retained quill/spine using an additional code from the T81.5- series (e.g., T81.52XA for retained foreign body in wound, initial encounter).
• Do not use this code if the quills/spines have been completely removed and the patient is only presenting for follow-up of the wound.
• Consider an external cause code (e.g., W59.XXXA for contact with other nonvenomous marine animals) to describe the circumstances of the injury.