2025 ICD-10-CM code S72.46
Supracondylar fracture with intracondylar extension of lower end of femur.
Medical necessity is established by the presence of the fracture, confirmed by imaging studies, and the need for treatment to restore function and prevent complications.
Physicians diagnose this based on patient history, physical exam, and X-rays. Treatment usually involves surgical reduction and fixation, sometimes with bracing, along with pain management and rehabilitation exercises.
- Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)
- Injuries to the hip and thigh (S70-S79)
In simple words: A break in the thigh bone just above the knee, involving the rounded ends of the bone, usually caused by major trauma.
A break in the thigh bone (femur) just above the knee joint, extending into the condyles (rounded ends) of the femur. This typically results from high-energy trauma like a fall or car accident.
Example 1: A patient falls from a ladder and experiences severe pain and swelling above the knee. X-rays reveal a supracondylar fracture with intracondylar extension of the femur., A motorcyclist is involved in a collision and sustains a displaced supracondylar fracture with intracondylar extension of the femur, confirmed by CT scan., An elderly patient with osteoporosis falls and presents with a nondisplaced supracondylar fracture with intracondylar extension of the femur.
Documentation should include details of the trauma, physical exam findings (e.g., pain, swelling, deformity, limited range of motion), imaging results (X-ray, CT), and treatment provided (e.g., surgical procedure, bracing, medications).
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Trauma Surgery, Emergency Medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Office