2025 ICD-10-CM code S79.00
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Injuries to the hip and thigh - Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes 19 Feed
Unspecified physeal fracture of the upper end of the femur.
Medical necessity for treatment is established by the presence of a fracture confirmed through imaging and associated symptoms. Further treatment, such as surgery, must be supported by documentation of failed conservative management or the presence of complicating factors.
Diagnosis involves patient history of trauma, physical examination (assessing wound, nerves, blood supply), imaging (X-rays, MRI, arthrography), and lab tests. Treatment may include closed reduction and immobilization with a spica cast. Open reduction and surgery might be necessary for complex fractures or associated injuries. Other treatments involve pain medication, corticosteroids for swelling, muscle relaxants, and medication to prevent blood clots.As healing progresses, exercises are recommended to improve range of motion, flexibility, and muscle strength.
In simple words: This code represents a fracture at the top of the thigh bone, specifically at the growth plate in children. The exact type of fracture hasn't been specified. It is often caused by a major impact, like a bad fall or car accident.
A physeal fracture, commonly occurring in children, involves the growth plate (physis) of the upper end of the femur (thigh bone).This type of fracture is often caused by severe sudden or blunt trauma, such as a fall from a high elevation, traffic accidents, child abuse, or sports activities. This code specifies that the type of physeal fracture is unspecified.
Example 1: A 10-year-old child falls from a tree and experiences pain and limited mobility in their hip. Imaging reveals a fracture across the growth plate at the upper end of the femur, but the specific type is not determined. S79.00 is used., A teenager is involved in a motor vehicle accident and presents with a swollen and deformed thigh.X-rays confirm a fracture at the top of the femur involving the growth plate. The type of physeal fracture is not specified, so S79.00 is applied., A child presents with hip pain after a fall during a sporting event.Examination and imaging indicate a fracture at the growth plate of the upper femur.Further classification of the fracture is not documented, thus S79.00 is used.
Documentation should include details of the trauma, physical exam findings (e.g., swelling, deformity, limited range of motion, neurovascular status), imaging results, and treatment provided.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Pediatric Orthopedics, Emergency Medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Office