Name of the Condition

• Fracture of unspecified tarsal bone(s) of unspecified foot, initial encounter for closed fracture
• Commonly referred to as a "closed tarsal bone fracture" or "tarsal fracture."

Summary

• A tarsal fracture involves a break in one or more bones of the tarsus, located in the rearfoot and midfoot. This condition is typically due to trauma or injury and is characterized as a "closed fracture" when the skin remains intact.

Causes

• Typically caused by significant trauma such as falls, sports injuries, or automobile accidents. Stress fractures can occur from repetitive use.

Risk Factors

• Participation in high-impact sports or activities.
• Osteoporosis or bone-weakening conditions.
• Older age due to decreased bone density.
• Previous foot injuries or fractures.

Symptoms

• Swelling and tenderness in the affected foot.
• Pain at the site of the fracture, worsening with weight-bearing activities.
• Bruising and possible deformity of the foot.
• Difficulty walking or inability to bear weight.

Diagnosis

• Physical examination assessing pain and movement limitations.
• Imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to visualize the fracture details.

Treatment Options

• Immobilization using casts or splints to limit movement and promote healing.
• Rest and elevation of the foot to reduce swelling.
• Pain relief medications like NSAIDs.
• In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to realign the bones.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With appropriate treatment, most fractures heal successfully in weeks to months.
• Regular follow-ups to monitor the healing process and adjust treatment as needed.

Complications

• If untreated, potential complications include chronic pain, deformity, and arthritis in the affected area.
• Nonunion or malunion of the fracture may occur, requiring surgical intervention.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Wearing appropriate footwear to provide support during activities.
• Strengthening exercises for foot and ankle support.
• Calcium and vitamin D intake to maintain bone health.
• Risk assessment and modification for older adults to prevent falls.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Severe pain or swelling in the foot.
• Inability to walk or bear weight on the affected foot.
• Visible deformity or inability to move the foot.

Additional Resources

• American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (www.aofas.org)
• National Osteoporosis Foundation (www.nof.org)

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure specificity in documenting the fracture location and type (tarsal bone, closed fracture).
• Double-check the designation for laterality and encounter nature to avoid common coding errors.
• Verify the initial encounter status to distinguish from follow-up treatments or complications.