W20-W49: Exposure to inanimate mechanical forces

W49: Exposure to other and unspecified inanimate mechanical forces

Exposure to other and unspecified inanimate mechanical forces pertains to a group of conditions caused by a person's encounter with physical forces from various objects or machines that are not living. The damages arise from the physics of the object, such as its weight, shape, velocity, or stability, rather than any inherent biological harmfulness. This group of conditions can be the result of accidents like getting struck, injured, or crushed by machinery, falling objects, or mishandled tools. Common symptoms include pain, bruising, swelling, broken bones, and cuts which concentrate on the part of the body that was hit or trapped. The severity and nature of these injuries greatly vary, depending on the circumstances of the exposure and the mechanical force involved. Diseases, disorders, or injuries due to these forces usually progress based on the extent of injury and the efficacy of initial medical care, requiring immediate attention to prevent further complications. These conditions can affect virtually any system of the body, depending on where and how the individual has been exposed to the mechanical force.