AHA Coding Clinic® for ICD-10-CM and ICD-10-PCS - 2019 Issue 3; Ask the Editor
Open Reduction with Internal Fixation and Placement of Strut Allograft
A patient who is status post left total knee arthroplasty suffered a periprosthetic comminuted fracture of the left distal femoral shaft and had open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of the fracture using plates and screws, and placement of strut allograft and cerclage cables. After the incision was made, the proximal and distal fragments were aligned and a cerclage cable was placed to hold the bones in an apposed position. Next, the plate was fixed to the bone with cortical screws; the strut allograft was centered over the proximal stem and held in place with cables. What are the appropriate code assignments for this procedure? ...
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Article Overview
This article reviews a fracture-repair coding scenario in the setting of prior knee arthroplasty, with attention to open reduction, internal fixation, and placement of a strut allograft. It is relevant for orthopedic coders, inpatient procedure coding staff, and anyone reviewing procedure assignment for complex fracture management. The discussion is centered on how the operative elements are translated into procedure coding terms.
Why This Topic Matters
Complex fracture repairs after arthroplasty often involve multiple operative components that must be represented accurately in procedure coding. This article helps readers recognize the broader coding considerations for orthopedic repair cases that include fixation and graft-related work.
What You Will Learn
- How a fracture repair case after knee arthroplasty is framed for procedure coding.
- How operative components such as fixation and graft placement are discussed in coding terms.
- How the article approaches assignment of procedure coding for a complex orthopedic repair scenario.
Who Should Read This
- Inpatient coders
- Orthopedic coders
- Coding auditors
- Clinical documentation specialists
Codes Discussed
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