But, if the patient comes with a fracture with minor injury and weak bones, the record should be coded with pathological fractures. Generally, traumatic fractures occur because of any Motor vehicle accident, of a fall from high level, hit by a heavy object etc.
![pathological fracture pathological fracture](https://www.casestacks.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/UBC-path-fracture-1.1.png)
Hence, while coding a traumatic fracture, one should thoroughly check the medical record for any significant trauma. However, due to the weaking of bones the pathological fractures occur with even a slight trauma or injury. Fractures generally occur when there is major or significant trauma. These fractures are spontaneous and occur in connection with minor injuries.
#PATHOLOGICAL FRACTURE HOW TO#
How to confirm it is a Pathological fracture?Īs I have said, diseases like osteoporosis can cause Pathological fracture.
#PATHOLOGICAL FRACTURE CODE#
Read also: Learn how to code ICD 10 codes for Osteoarthritis Now, here the question arises whether we should code a traumatic fracture or a Non-traumatic (pathological) fracture in such scenarios. The bone diseases are harmful for older patients because bones are damaged or injured with slight trauma or injury. Such fractures are called Pathological fracture. Sometimes even doing your day to day activity can lead to fracture, which is absolutely non-traumatic. Due to less bone density in old age, the bones get fractures even with a small injury. Due to decrease in density, we may suffer from osteopenia or osteoporosis. As we grow older, our bone density starts decreasing. If the fractures are caused by a disease that makes them hard to heal, your doctor may opt for surgical procedures such as internal fixation or fusion.Fractures can be coded as traumatic or non-traumatic fractures. Other potential treatment options include: The initial treatment could be as simple as resting and avoiding the activities that stress the affected area. The treatment usually depends on the underlying medical condition. Certain laboratory tests may be performed to assess calcium levels, and a biopsy (examination of tissue) may be performed to determine the exact cause of the fracture.
![pathological fracture pathological fracture](https://m4.healio.com/~/media/journals/ortho/1984/11_november/10_3928_0147_7447_19841101_05/10_3928_01477447_19841101_05_fig2.jpg)
Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and evaluate your medical history followed by an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan depending on your specific condition. If untreated, pathological fractures may lead to functional decline and risk of disability.
![pathological fracture pathological fracture](https://pulsemd.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/Screenshot-2021-07-12-at-11.20.31-AM.png)
Tenderness, bruising, and swelling near the broken bone.Mild to severe pain near the fractured bone.Pathological fractures may or may not have symptoms, but may include the following: Osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease (a genetic disorder).Noncancerous tumors and cysts (lumps or swellings).Osteomalacia: A disease that softens the bones through the deficiency of vitamin D, thereby negatively impacting calcium absorption.Cancer: An abnormal cell growth on the bones, eventually weakening them and causing a break.Osteoporosis: A condition in which your bone starts to deteriorate and becomes too porous.Diseases Causing Pathological FracturesĬommon diseases that cause pathological fractures include: Some underlying diseases can weaken the bones making them brittle and eventually causing a fracture or break in the bone. Pathological fractures are broken bones in an area already weakened by another disease, not by an injury.