Name of the Condition

• Displaced associated transverse-posterior fracture of left acetabulum, subsequent encounter for fracture with routine healing.
• Technical term: S32.462D

Summary

• This condition refers to a specific type of hip fracture involving the left acetabulum, the socket part of the hip bone. It is characterized by a transverse-posterior fracture pattern and is being addressed during a subsequent medical encounter, indicating that the fracture is in a phase of routine healing.

Causes

• Commonly caused by high-impact trauma such as car accidents or significant falls.
• Osteoporosis or weakened bones may increase susceptibility to fractures from lower-impact incidents.

Risk Factors

• Older age due to decreased bone density.
• Participation in high-impact sports.
• Previous hip injuries or conditions like osteoporosis.
• Motor vehicle accidents or severe falls.

Symptoms

• Acute pain in the hip or pelvic area.
• Swelling and bruising around the hip.
• Difficulty standing or bearing weight on the affected side.
• Possible limitation in the range of motion.

Diagnosis

• X-rays to visualize the fracture.
• CT scans for detailed imaging to assess displacement and alignment.
• Physical examination to evaluate hip functionality and symptom manifestation.

Treatment Options

• Rest and avoidance of weight-bearing activities to promote healing.
• Pain management through medications such as NSAIDs or prescribed analgesics.
• Physical therapy to improve strength and mobility post-healing.
• Surgical intervention if the fracture alignment requires correction.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Favorable prognosis with appropriate treatment, though recovery time may vary based on severity and patient health.
• Regular follow-ups to monitor healing progress, often involving repeat imaging tests.

Complications

• If untreated, may lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility, or hip joint instability.
• Potential risk of developing post-traumatic arthritis.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Use protective gear during high-risk activities and sports.
• Maintain a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D to strengthen bones.
• Engage in regular weight-bearing and muscle-strengthening exercises to maintain bone density.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Persistent hip pain after an injury.
• Inability to stand or walk without support.
• Visible deformities or severe bruising around the hip.

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) website for more information on hip fracture care.
• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) website for resources on bone health.

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure the correct laterality (left side) is indicated in the code.
• Verify that 'subsequent encounter' and 'routine healing' are accurately documented to support code S32.462D.
• Double-check for any associated conditions or complications that may require additional coding.