ICD-10: S68.618

Complete traumatic transphalangeal amputation of other finger

Clinical Information

Inclusion Terms

  • Complete traumatic transphalangeal amputation of specified finger with unspecified laterality

Additional Information

Description

The ICD-10 code S68.618 refers to a specific type of injury characterized as a complete traumatic transphalangeal amputation of other finger. This code is part of the broader category of injuries to the wrist, hand, and fingers, which are classified under the range S60-S69. Below is a detailed clinical description and relevant information regarding this diagnosis code.

Clinical Description

Definition

A complete traumatic transphalangeal amputation involves the severing of a finger at the level of the phalanges, which are the bones in the fingers. This type of amputation results in the loss of the entire finger distal to the joint, meaning that the finger is completely removed at the point where the phalanges meet.

Affected Area

The term "other finger" in the code S68.618 indicates that this injury does not pertain to the thumb but rather to any of the other fingers (index, middle, ring, or little finger). The specific finger affected can be crucial for treatment and rehabilitation planning.

Causes

Such amputations are typically the result of traumatic incidents, which may include:
- Industrial accidents: Injuries occurring in workplaces, particularly in manufacturing or construction settings.
- Motor vehicle accidents: Injuries sustained during collisions or accidents involving vehicles.
- Sports injuries: Accidents that occur during physical activities or sports.
- Household accidents: Injuries that happen at home, often involving machinery or tools.

Symptoms

Patients with a complete transphalangeal amputation may present with:
- Severe pain: Immediate and intense pain at the site of the injury.
- Bleeding: Significant blood loss may occur, necessitating urgent medical attention.
- Shock: Depending on the severity of the injury and blood loss, patients may experience shock, which is a medical emergency.

Treatment and Management

Immediate Care

  • Control of bleeding: Applying pressure to the wound to manage bleeding is critical.
  • Pain management: Administering analgesics to alleviate pain.
  • Wound care: Proper cleaning and dressing of the wound to prevent infection.

Surgical Intervention

  • Amputation management: In cases of complete amputation, surgical intervention may be required to clean the wound and prepare for potential reconstruction or prosthetic fitting.
  • Rehabilitation: Post-surgical rehabilitation may involve physical therapy to help the patient adapt to the loss of the finger and regain functionality in the hand.

Long-term Considerations

  • Prosthetics: Depending on the patient's needs and preferences, prosthetic options may be explored to restore some level of function and aesthetics.
  • Psychological support: Counseling may be beneficial to help patients cope with the emotional impact of losing a finger.

Conclusion

The ICD-10 code S68.618 is essential for accurately documenting and billing for cases involving complete traumatic transphalangeal amputation of other fingers. Understanding the clinical implications, treatment options, and long-term management strategies is crucial for healthcare providers in delivering comprehensive care to affected patients. Proper coding ensures that patients receive appropriate treatment and that healthcare facilities are reimbursed for the services provided.

Clinical Information

The ICD-10 code S68.618 refers to a complete traumatic transphalangeal amputation of other fingers, which is a specific type of injury characterized by the complete loss of a finger at the level of the phalanges due to trauma. Understanding the clinical presentation, signs, symptoms, and patient characteristics associated with this condition is crucial for effective diagnosis and management.

Clinical Presentation

Definition and Mechanism of Injury

A complete traumatic transphalangeal amputation occurs when a finger is severed at the joint between the phalanges, resulting in the loss of the entire digit. This type of injury can result from various traumatic events, including:

  • Industrial accidents: Such as machinery-related injuries.
  • Motor vehicle accidents: Where fingers may be caught or crushed.
  • Sports injuries: Involving high-impact contact or falls.
  • Assaults: Where sharp objects are used.

Patient Characteristics

Patients who experience a complete transphalangeal amputation may present with certain characteristics, including:

  • Demographics: Commonly affects individuals in their working years, particularly those in manual labor or high-risk occupations.
  • Health Status: Patients may have underlying health conditions that affect healing, such as diabetes or vascular diseases, which can complicate recovery.

Signs and Symptoms

Immediate Signs

Upon examination, the following signs may be observed:

  • Visible Amputation: The most obvious sign is the complete loss of the finger, with the remaining stump showing a clean or jagged edge depending on the nature of the injury.
  • Bleeding: Significant hemorrhage may occur, requiring immediate medical attention.
  • Swelling and Bruising: Surrounding tissues may exhibit swelling and bruising due to trauma.

Associated Symptoms

Patients may report various symptoms, including:

  • Pain: Severe pain at the site of amputation, which may radiate to the hand or wrist.
  • Numbness or Tingling: Sensations may be altered in the remaining fingers or hand due to nerve involvement.
  • Psychological Impact: Patients may experience emotional distress, anxiety, or depression related to the loss of a digit and its implications for daily activities.

Management Considerations

Immediate Care

  • Hemostasis: Control bleeding through direct pressure or tourniquet application if necessary.
  • Wound Care: Clean the wound and protect it from infection.
  • Pain Management: Administer analgesics to manage acute pain.

Long-term Management

  • Rehabilitation: Occupational therapy may be required to help the patient adapt to the loss of the finger and regain functionality.
  • Psychological Support: Counseling may be beneficial to address emotional and psychological challenges following the amputation.

Risk Factors for Complications

Certain factors can increase the risk of complications following a transphalangeal amputation, including:

  • Smoking: A known risk factor for impaired wound healing and increased risk of infection[4].
  • Diabetes: Patients with diabetes may experience delayed healing and increased risk of complications[4].

Conclusion

The clinical presentation of a complete traumatic transphalangeal amputation of other fingers involves a range of immediate and long-term considerations. Recognizing the signs and symptoms, understanding patient characteristics, and implementing appropriate management strategies are essential for optimizing recovery and minimizing complications. Early intervention and comprehensive rehabilitation can significantly improve outcomes for affected individuals.

Approximate Synonyms

The ICD-10 code S68.618 refers specifically to a complete traumatic transphalangeal amputation of other fingers. Understanding alternative names and related terms for this code can be beneficial for medical coding, billing, and clinical documentation. Below is a detailed overview of alternative names and related terms associated with this specific ICD-10 code.

Alternative Names

  1. Complete Traumatic Amputation of Finger: This term broadly describes the complete loss of a finger due to trauma, which aligns with the definition of S68.618.
  2. Transphalangeal Amputation: This term refers to the surgical or traumatic removal of a finger at the phalangeal level, which is the joint area between the bones of the finger.
  3. Finger Amputation: A general term that encompasses any type of amputation involving the fingers, including complete and partial amputations.
  1. Traumatic Amputation: This term refers to the loss of a limb or part of a limb due to an external force or injury, which is the underlying cause for the S68.618 code.
  2. Phalangeal Amputation: This term specifically refers to the amputation occurring at the phalanges, the bones in the fingers.
  3. Digital Amputation: A broader term that includes amputations of the fingers (digits) and can refer to both complete and partial amputations.
  4. S68.61: This is a more general code for complete traumatic transphalangeal amputation of the finger, which can be used when the specific finger is not identified.

Clinical Context

In clinical settings, accurate coding is essential for proper documentation and billing. The S68.618 code is used when a patient has experienced a complete traumatic amputation of a finger other than the thumb, index, middle, ring, or little finger. This specificity is crucial for healthcare providers to ensure appropriate treatment and follow-up care.

Conclusion

Understanding the alternative names and related terms for ICD-10 code S68.618 is important for healthcare professionals involved in coding and billing processes. Utilizing these terms can enhance communication among medical staff and ensure accurate documentation of patient conditions. If you need further information or specific examples related to this code, feel free to ask!

Diagnostic Criteria

The ICD-10 code S68.618 refers to a specific diagnosis of "Complete traumatic transphalangeal amputation of other finger." This code is part of the broader classification system used for coding diagnoses and procedures in healthcare settings. Understanding the criteria for diagnosing this condition involves several key components.

Criteria for Diagnosis

1. Clinical Presentation

  • Traumatic Event: The diagnosis typically arises from a traumatic incident, such as an accident or injury, that results in the complete amputation of a finger at the phalangeal level. This means that the amputation occurs through the phalanx, which is the bone in the finger.
  • Symptoms: Patients may present with severe pain, bleeding, and visible loss of the finger. The injury may also be accompanied by other signs of trauma, such as swelling or bruising in the surrounding area.

2. Medical Evaluation

  • Physical Examination: A thorough physical examination is essential to assess the extent of the injury. This includes evaluating the site of amputation, checking for any remaining tissue, and assessing blood flow to the area.
  • Imaging Studies: In some cases, imaging studies such as X-rays may be performed to evaluate the bone structure and confirm the level of amputation. This can help in planning for potential surgical intervention or reconstruction.

3. Documentation of Injury

  • Medical Records: Accurate documentation in the patient's medical records is crucial. This includes details about the mechanism of injury, the time of the incident, and the immediate treatment provided.
  • ICD-10 Coding Guidelines: According to the ICD-10 coding guidelines, the specific code S68.618 is used when the amputation is complete and involves a finger other than the thumb. Proper coding is essential for billing and insurance purposes.

4. Differential Diagnosis

  • Exclusion of Other Conditions: It is important to differentiate complete transphalangeal amputation from other types of finger injuries, such as partial amputations or crush injuries. This may involve assessing the degree of tissue loss and functionality of the remaining finger.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of S68.618, complete traumatic transphalangeal amputation of other finger, is based on a combination of clinical presentation, thorough medical evaluation, accurate documentation, and the exclusion of other potential injuries. Proper diagnosis is critical for effective treatment planning and rehabilitation, ensuring that patients receive the appropriate care following such traumatic injuries.

Treatment Guidelines

When addressing the standard treatment approaches for ICD-10 code S68.618, which refers to a complete traumatic transphalangeal amputation of other finger, it is essential to consider both immediate and long-term management strategies. This type of injury typically involves the loss of a finger at the level of the phalanges, necessitating a comprehensive treatment plan that includes surgical intervention, rehabilitation, and psychological support.

Immediate Treatment

1. Emergency Care

  • Control Bleeding: The first step in managing a traumatic amputation is to control any bleeding. This may involve applying direct pressure to the wound and elevating the injured hand.
  • Preserve the Amputated Part: If the amputated finger is available, it should be wrapped in a moist sterile dressing and placed in a sealed plastic bag, which is then kept cool (not frozen) to preserve the tissue for potential reattachment.

2. Surgical Intervention

  • Replantation: If the amputated finger is viable and the injury is suitable for reattachment, a surgical procedure known as replantation may be performed. This involves microsurgery to reconnect the blood vessels, nerves, and tendons.
  • Amputation Management: If replantation is not feasible, the surgeon will clean the wound and may perform a revision amputation to create a more functional stump. This may involve shaping the remaining tissue for better prosthetic fitting later.

Postoperative Care

1. Wound Care

  • Proper wound care is crucial to prevent infection. This includes regular dressing changes and monitoring for signs of infection such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge.

2. Pain Management

  • Pain management strategies may include medications such as NSAIDs or opioids, depending on the severity of pain post-surgery.

Rehabilitation

1. Physical Therapy

  • Range of Motion Exercises: Early physical therapy is essential to maintain mobility in the remaining fingers and the wrist. This may include gentle range of motion exercises to prevent stiffness.
  • Strengthening Exercises: As healing progresses, strengthening exercises will help improve function and dexterity.

2. Occupational Therapy

  • Occupational therapy focuses on helping the patient regain the ability to perform daily activities. This may involve the use of adaptive devices or techniques to compensate for the loss of the finger.

Psychological Support

1. Counseling

  • The psychological impact of losing a finger can be significant. Counseling or support groups may be beneficial for patients to cope with the emotional aspects of their injury.

2. Education

  • Educating the patient about their injury, treatment options, and rehabilitation process can empower them and reduce anxiety.

Long-term Considerations

1. Prosthetic Options

  • Depending on the level of amputation and the patient’s needs, prosthetic options may be explored. Advances in prosthetic technology can provide functional and aesthetic solutions for those who have lost fingers.

2. Follow-up Care

  • Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers are essential to monitor healing, adjust rehabilitation plans, and address any complications that may arise.

In summary, the treatment of a complete traumatic transphalangeal amputation of a finger involves a multidisciplinary approach that includes emergency care, surgical intervention, postoperative management, rehabilitation, and psychological support. Each patient's treatment plan should be tailored to their specific needs and circumstances to optimize recovery and functional outcomes.

Related Information

Description

  • Severing of finger at phalange level
  • Loss of entire finger distal to joint
  • Injury not limited to thumb
  • Typically caused by traumatic incidents
  • Industrial accidents common cause
  • Significant blood loss and shock possible
  • Pain management and wound care critical

Clinical Information

  • Traumatic injury to a finger at the phalanges
  • Complete loss of a digit due to trauma
  • Commonly affects manual labor or high-risk occupations
  • Underlying health conditions complicate recovery
  • Visible amputation with bleeding and swelling
  • Severe pain radiating to hand or wrist
  • Numbness or tingling in remaining fingers or hand
  • Psychological impact from loss of a digit
  • Rehabilitation for adaptability and functionality
  • Smoking impairs wound healing and increases infection risk
  • Diabetes delays healing and increases complication risk

Approximate Synonyms

  • Complete Traumatic Amputation of Finger
  • Transphalangeal Amputation
  • Finger Amputation
  • Traumatic Amputation
  • Phalangeal Amputation
  • Digital Amputation

Diagnostic Criteria

  • Traumatic incident causing finger amputation
  • Severe pain and bleeding present
  • Visible loss of finger
  • Swelling or bruising in surrounding area
  • Thorough physical examination necessary
  • Imaging studies may be performed
  • Accurate medical record documentation required
  • Exclusion of other injuries essential

Treatment Guidelines

  • Control bleeding with direct pressure
  • Preserve amputated part in cool sterile dressing
  • Replantation for viable amputated finger
  • Revision amputation for non-viable amputated finger
  • Proper wound care to prevent infection
  • Pain management with NSAIDs or opioids
  • Range of motion exercises post-surgery
  • Strengthening exercises for improved function
  • Occupational therapy for daily activity adaptation
  • Counseling for psychological support
  • Education on injury and treatment options

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