Name of the Condition

• Displaced fracture of the lateral condyle of the left femur, initial encounter for a closed fracture.

Summary

• A displaced fracture of the lateral condyle of the left femur is a type of bone break impacting the outer bony prominence of the thigh bone near the knee. In this initial encounter, the fracture has not broken through the skin.

Causes

• This fracture often results from high-impact trauma or injuries, such as those sustained during sports, falls, or car accidents.

Risk Factors

• Risk factors include participation in high-impact sports, osteoporosis, elderly age, previous bone fractures, and activities involving high injury risk.

Symptoms

• Patients may experience sharp pain around the knee area, swelling, bruising, an inability to move the joint normally, and visible deformity or instability in severe cases.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs to assess the fracture's extent and displacement.

Treatment Options

• Treatment may include immobilization with a cast or splint, pain management, and possible surgical intervention to realign and stabilize the fracture if necessary. Physical therapy is often required post-treatment to restore movement and strength.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• The prognosis can be favorable with proper treatment, but it depends on the severity. Regular follow-ups are essential to monitor healing progress and ensure that the bone heals correctly with restored function.

Complications

• Potential complications include improper healing, persistent pain, arthritis development in the knee joint, or, less commonly, nerve or blood vessel damage.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Maintaining good bone health through a balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, regular exercise, and using protective gear during sports can help prevent fractures.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Seek immediate help if there is a sudden onset of intense pain, inability to bear weight, visible malformation, or if the fracture is suspected after an injury.

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) - aaos.org
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) Osteoporosis and Related Bone Diseases Resource Center

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure the specificity of the code by noting the displacement and closed nature of the fracture and identifying the lateral condyle and left femur.
• Common errors include coding for the wrong type of fracture (e.g., open instead of closed) or the incorrect femur side.