2025 ICD-10-CM code S88
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Injury - Injuries to the knee and lower leg (S80-S89) Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88) Feed
Traumatic amputation of the lower leg.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the specific circumstances of the procedure and the payer's requirements.Consult the payer's guidelines for specific modifier usage.
Medical necessity is established by the traumatic injury resulting in the amputation. Documentation must support the need for the initial emergency treatment, any surgical procedures, rehabilitation (physical therapy, prosthetic fitting), and psychological support based on the severity of the injury and the patient's condition.
The clinical responsibility involves diagnosis through patient history, physical examination, and imaging (X-rays, CT, MRI).Treatment may involve hemorrhage control, wound care, potential reattachment, pain management, antibiotics, tetanus prophylaxis, prosthetic fitting, physical and occupational therapy, and mental health support.
- Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)
- Injuries to the knee and lower leg (S80-S89)
In simple words: Traumatic amputation of the lower leg means losing part or all of your leg below the knee because of an accident or injury, such as a car crash or workplace incident.It can cause serious bleeding and pain, and may need surgery, medication, and therapy to heal and recover.
Traumatic amputation of the lower leg refers to the complete or incomplete loss of the leg below the knee due to an injury.This may result from various causes, including traffic accidents, crush injuries, explosions, or workplace incidents. The injury can lead to severe blood loss and pain, along with damage to nerves, bones, soft tissues, and blood vessels.Potential complications include infection, heterotopic ossification (abnormal bone growth), and emotional/psychological consequences. Diagnosis involves patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies (X-rays, CT, MRI) to assess the Mangled Extremity Severity Score and determine treatment options. Treatment may include hemorrhage control, wound cleaning and repair, reattachment (if feasible), pain management (narcotics, NSAIDs), antibiotics, tetanus prophylaxis, prosthetic fitting, physical/occupational therapy, and mental health counseling.
Example 1: A construction worker's leg is severed below the knee in a workplace accident involving heavy machinery. The initial treatment focuses on controlling bleeding, wound cleaning, and potential reattachment.Post-surgical care includes pain management, antibiotics, and physical therapy for prosthetic fitting., A patient is involved in a motor vehicle accident resulting in a traumatic amputation of the lower leg.The initial emergency care addresses hemorrhagic shock and wound stabilization. Subsequent procedures might involve reattachment or prosthetic fitting, with ongoing physical therapy and psychological support., A patient suffers a traumatic lower leg amputation due to a blast injury.The initial treatment focuses on emergency care for burns and shrapnel wounds, alongside the amputation. Rehabilitation involves significant physical therapy, prosthetic fitting, and potential psychological counseling for PTSD.
Detailed patient history outlining the mechanism of injury, operative notes describing the procedure(s) performed, imaging reports (X-rays, CT, MRI) demonstrating the extent of the injury, laboratory results (hemoglobin, hematocrit, coagulation studies, etc.), and records of all treatments and rehabilitation.
** Consider using additional codes to specify laterality (right or left leg), and any associated injuries.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Orthopedic surgery, trauma surgery, emergency medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation, prosthetics.
- Place of Service:Emergency Room - Hospital, Inpatient Hospital, Ambulatory Surgical Center, Office