S72.142D Displaced intertrochanteric fracture of left femur, subsequent encounter for closed fracture with routine healing

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Intertrochanteric Fracture of the Left Femur (Healing Phase)
- Displaced intertrochanteric fracture

#### Summary
A displaced intertrochanteric fracture of the left femur is a type of hip fracture occurring in the upper part of the thigh bone. As a "subsequent encounter," this refers to the ongoing treatment and monitoring of a fracture that is healing.

#### Causes
- Traumatic incidents such as falls or car accidents
- Weakened bones due to osteoporosis

#### Risk Factors
- Advanced age, particularly in individuals over 65
- Osteoporosis or other bone-weakening conditions
- History of previous fractures

#### Symptoms
- Pain in the hip or groin area
- Inability to bear weight on the left leg
- Swelling and bruising around the hip
- A visible deformity or shortening of the leg

#### Diagnosis
- Physical examination of the hip and leg
- Imaging tests: X-rays and possibly CT scans or MRI 

#### Treatment Options
- Surgical intervention to realign and stabilize the fracture, often involving the use of screws, plates, or rods.
- Physical therapy to restore mobility and strength post-surgery
- Pain management with medications

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- With routine healing, the prognosis is generally favorable with proper treatment and rehabilitation.
- Regular follow-up appointments to monitor healing progress and address any complications.

#### Complications
- Non-union or malunion of the fracture
- Development of avascular necrosis
- Post-surgical complications, such as infections or blood clots

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Maintain a nutrient-rich diet with adequate calcium and vitamin D
- Engage in weight-bearing exercises to strengthen bones
- Use safety measures to prevent falls, like installing grab bars or wearing hip protectors

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Sudden increase in pain or discomfort
- Signs of infection, such as fever or increased swelling at the surgical site
- Inability to move the leg or worsening mobility

#### Additional Resources
- [American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)](https://www.aaos.org)
- [National Osteoporosis Foundation](https://www.nof.org)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure accurate application of the ICD-10 code S72.142D for documentation of routine healing in a subsequent encounter.
- Avoid confusion with initial encounter codes, which would be denoted differently.

Similar Codes