Left wrist scaphoid fracture – ICD-10 Codes 2023
The scaphoid bone is a small, boat-shaped bone located in the center of the wrist that helps connect the radius and ulna bones. Unfortunately, it is also the most commonly fractured bone in the wrist, and there are many different ways that a scaphoid fracture can occur. Some causes include falling on an outstretched hand, direct blows to the wrist, or twisting injuries. The fracture can be either a simple fracture, where the bone breaks in one place, or a comminuted fracture, where the bone breaks into multiple pieces. Symptoms of a scaphoid fracture can vary in severity and include pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the wrist. In some cases, there may be no symptoms at all. If you suspect a scaphoid fracture, it is essential to see a doctor immediately. They will examine your wrist and may order an X-ray or MRI scan to confirm the diagnosis.
ICD-10 Codes for Left Wrist Scaphoid Fracture in 2023
We already know that ICD is a system for classifying diseases and other health conditions and is used by healthcare professionals and researchers to communicate health data.
S62.002A is the ICD-10 code for an unspecified closed fracture of the navicular bone in the left wrist.
The subsequent encounter code is used for any subsequent visits for the fracture.
Initial Encounter
- Unspecified fracture: S62.001A
- Displaced fracture of distal pole: S62.011A
- Displaced fracture of middle third: S62.021A
- Displaced fracture of the proximal third: S62.031A
Subsequent Encounter
- Unspecified fracture: S62.002A
- Displaced fracture of distal pole: S62.012A
- Displaced fracture of middle third: S62.022A
- Displaced fracture of the proximal third: S62.032A
The codes also specify whether the fracture is displaced or nondisplaced. A displaced fracture is one in which the broken pieces of bone are not aligned properly. A nondisplaced fracture is one in which the broken pieces of bone are aligned properly.
For example, code S62.011A is used to classify a displaced fracture of the distal pole of the scaphoid bone in the left wrist, and S62.002A is used to classify an unspecified fracture of the scaphoid bone in the left wrist on a subsequent encounter.
Apart from these codes, there are several other codes that can be utilized to categorize this injury. Some of these codes are:
- S62.009: It categorizes an unspecified scaphoid fracture during the first visit for a closed wrist fracture when other codes don’t apply.
- S62.016: Code for identifying initial visit of non-displaced distal pole navicular (scaphoid) bone fracture in the unspecified wrist with proper bone alignment.
- S62.029: Code for middle third navicular fracture, first closed fracture encounter.
- S62.039: This code is for a wrist fracture at the upper part of the scaphoid bone.
History of ICD codes for left wrist scaphoid fracture
Over time, the ICD codes for left wrist scaphoid fractures have undergone changes. Initially, the first ICD code for a scaphoid fracture was 413.0, which was utilized under the ICD-8 classification system.
Between 1979 and 1994, ICD-9 encompassed codes for scaphoid fractures, regardless of whether they were displaced or nondisplaced, with specific codes assigned for each (812.0 and 812.1).
ICD-10 has detailed codes for scaphoid fractures, including types like a displaced distal pole (S62.012) and nondisplaced (S62.002).
