Name of the Condition

• Displaced Fracture of Middle Phalanx of Left Ring Finger, Closed (ICD-10 Code: S62.625A)

Summary

• This condition refers to a bone fracture in the middle segment (phalanx) of the fourth finger (ring finger) on the left hand, where the bone ends are misaligned but the skin is intact (closed fracture). This is typically an emergency situation requiring prompt medical attention to ensure proper healing.

Causes

• It commonly occurs due to direct trauma or impact to the hand, such as accidents, falls, or sports injuries.

Risk Factors

• Participation in contact sports, certain occupations involving manual labor, osteoporosis, or any condition that leads to weakened bones.

Symptoms

• Pain and tenderness in the affected finger, swelling, bruising, difficulty in moving the finger, and visible deformity if the finger is severely displaced.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis is primarily through physical examination and imaging techniques; X-rays are typically used to confirm the fracture and assess the extent of displacement.

Treatment Options

• Initial treatment often involves immobilization using splints or casts to align and stabilize the bone. In more severe cases, closed reduction may be necessary, wherein a medical provider manually realigns the bone segments. Surgery may be required for fractures that do not heal properly or have severe displacement. Pain management is also critical, often involving medications.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With proper treatment, most closed fractures heal without significant complications. Follow-up is essential to ensure proper healing and alignment, often involving repeat X-rays and physical therapy to restore full function.

Complications

• Potential complications include improper healing (malunion), stiffness, reduced range of motion, or, rarely, nonunion (failure to heal).

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Wearing protective gloves or guards during high-risk activities, ensuring a safe environment to prevent falls, and maintaining bone health through diet and exercise can help prevent such injuries.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Immediate medical attention is necessary when there is severe pain, visible deformity, severe swelling, or the inability to move the finger, as these may indicate a fracture.

Additional Resources

• For more information, organizations such as the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH) and patient advocacy groups for hand injuries provide reliable resources and support.

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure accurate coding by confirming that the fracture is indeed displaced and on the left ring finger, specifically initial encounter for a closed fracture as indicated by the 'A' in the code. Avoid errors by double-checking the laterality and type of fracture.