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Displaced bicondylar fracture of right tibia, subsequent encounter for closed fracture with malunion
ICD10CM code
#### Name of the Condition
- Displaced Bicondylar Fracture of Right Tibia with Malunion, Subsequent Encounter
#### Summary
A displaced bicondylar fracture of the right tibia refers to a break involving both condyles of the tibia bone near the knee, where the broken fragments have moved out of alignment. In this case, the fracture has healed improperly, a condition known as malunion, and this encounter addresses follow-up care after initial treatment.
#### Causes
- High-impact injuries such as car accidents or sports injuries
- Falls, particularly from significant heights
#### Risk Factors
- Participation in high-impact sports
- Osteoporosis or weakened bones
- Advanced age which may lead to decreased bone density
#### Symptoms
- Persistent pain, particularly while moving or putting weight on the leg
- Swelling and tenderness around the knee area
- Limited mobility or range of motion
- Visible deformity in severe cases
#### Diagnosis
- Physical examination to assess pain, swelling, and deformity
- Imaging tests, primarily X-rays or CT scans, to view fracture alignment and degree of malunion
#### Treatment Options
- Surgical intervention to realign the fracture and correct malunion, potentially including bone grafts or internal fixation devices
- Physical therapy to restore function and strength in the leg
- Pain management with medications or therapies
#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Prognosis varies depending on severity and treatment success; with appropriate care, many patients achieve functional recovery.
- Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing and adjust treatments as necessary.
#### Complications
- Chronic pain or arthritis due to improper alignment
- Limited knee function leading to challenges in daily activities
- Higher risk of re-injury
#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Engaging in bone-strengthening exercises and maintaining nutrition rich in calcium and vitamin D
- Using protective gear during high-risk activities to prevent injury
- Falling prevention strategies for the elderly to avoid similar injuries
#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Increased pain, swelling, or deformity
- Signs of infection such as redness or pus from surgical sites
- Sudden loss of mobility or function in the affected leg
#### Additional Resources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS): [orthoinfo.aaos.org](https://orthoinfo.aaos.org)
- National Osteoporosis Foundation: [nof.org](https://www.nof.org)
#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure correct laterality; this code pertains specifically to the right tibia.
- Validate the stage of treatment; this is for a subsequent encounter with malunion, so ensure the sequence of care is accurately documented.
- Common errors include incorrect sequencing with acute fracture codes, which could impact billing and treatment records.