2025 ICD-10-CM code S52.379B
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes - Fracture of forearm 19 Feed
Galeazzi's fracture of unspecified radius, initial encounter for open fracture type I or II.
Medical necessity for this code is established by the presence of a Galeazzi fracture (distal radius fracture with distal radioulnar joint dislocation) that is open and classified as type I or II.The initial encounter implies the need for diagnosis,treatment planning, and initiation of care, which may include surgery and other interventions.
The physician is responsible for diagnosing the Galeazzi fracture through physical examination and imaging studies like X-rays and possibly CT scans.Treatment typically involves surgical intervention (open reduction and internal fixation) to realign the bones and stabilize the joint.Additional care may include splinting or casting, pain management, and rehabilitation exercises.
In simple words: This code describes a broken forearm bone (radius) near the wrist, along with a dislocated wrist joint where the radius and ulna meet. The broken bone has pierced the skin (open fracture), and it's the patient's first visit for this injury. The injury is classified as a Galeazzi fracture, and the severity is rated as Type I or II, which means minimal to moderate skin and soft tissue damage.
A Galeazzi fracture is a fracture of the distal radius with dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint.This specific code indicates an initial encounter for an open fracture classified as type I or II according to the Gustilo classification system for open fractures. The laterality (right or left) of the radius is not specified.
Example 1: A patient falls on an outstretched hand and presents with pain, swelling, and deformity in the forearm near the wrist.An X-ray confirms a distal radius fracture and dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint.The broken bone has punctured the skin, creating a small wound.This is the patient's first visit for this injury, and it's classified as a type II open fracture., A patient is involved in a motor vehicle accident and sustains an open fracture of the distal radius with associated distal radioulnar joint dislocation.The wound is minimal, and there is no significant soft tissue damage.This is their initial encounter for treatment, and the injury is a type I open Galeazzi fracture. , An athlete sustains a direct blow to the forearm during a sporting event. Imaging studies reveal a Galeazzi fracture.A small laceration over the fracture site indicates an open fracture, classified as type II. They are seen in the emergency department for initial evaluation and treatment.
Documentation should include details of the injury mechanism, physical exam findings (e.g., deformity, swelling, tenderness, range of motion), and imaging results (X-ray, CT scan). The type of open fracture (I or II) according to the Gustilo classification should be clearly documented.The laterality (right or left) should also be specified when known.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Emergency Medicine
- Place of Service:Emergency Room - Hospital, Inpatient Hospital, Office