Name of the Condition

• Unspecified Fracture of the Fourth Metacarpal Bone, Right Hand

Summary

• This condition involves a break or crack in one of the bones of the hand, specifically the fourth metacarpal, in the right hand. It indicates a healed fracture from a prior visit, emphasizing routine healing without complications.

Causes

• Fractures often result from direct trauma or impact, such as falls, sports injuries, or accidents.

Risk Factors

• Participation in contact sports, osteoporosis, previous hand injuries, and occupations involving heavy manual labor can increase the risk of fractures.

Symptoms

• Common symptoms include swelling, bruising, tenderness, and pain in the back of the hand, especially when moving the fingers.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis is typically confirmed through physical examination and imaging tests like X-rays to visualize the extent of the fracture.

Treatment Options

• Treatment for subsequent encounters with routine healing generally involves monitoring progress. Protective splints, pain management, and physical therapy may be used to maintain mobility without further complication.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• The prognosis with routine healing is typically favorable, with most patients regaining full function. Regular follow-ups ensure proper bone healing and help assess the need for physical therapy.

Complications

• If not properly monitored, complications could include improper healing, decreased hand function, or stiffness.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Protective gear during sports and maintaining bone health through diet and exercise help prevent fractures. Avoiding risky activities or ensuring proper safety measures can lessen the likelihood of injury.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Immediate medical attention is recommended if severe pain, visible deformity, or inability to move the fingers occurs.

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS): orthoinfo.aaos.org
• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS): niams.nih.gov

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure correct documentation of the side (right hand) and specify it's a subsequent encounter with routine healing (S62.304D).
• Avoid assuming healing status without direct information from clinical notes; verify the encounter type for accurate coding.