Distal Femur Fracture ICD-10-CM Codes

Use a distal femur fracture ICD code when a patient is diagnosed with a fracture at the lower end of the femur, near the knee joint. The code should reflect the type of fracture (open or closed), specific location, side of the body, and whether it’s the initial encounter, subsequent care, or related to healing status (e.g., routine, delayed, or nonunion).

Common treatments include surgical interventions like internal fixation, intramedullary nailing, or external fixation, depending on fracture severity and type (e.g., displaced, comminuted, or open fracture type I–IIIC). Non-surgical options may involve casting, immobilization, and a structured rehabilitation program, particularly for patients with nondisplaced fractures or closed fractures with routine healing.

A diagnosis code for distal femur fracture identifies the specific location, type, and severity of a femur injury. It also communicates whether the patient receives initial treatment, follow-up care, or managing complications like delayed healing or a periprosthetic fracture.