2025 ICD-10-CM code S52
Fracture of forearm. A fracture not indicated as displaced or nondisplaced should be coded to displaced. A fracture not indicated as open or closed should be coded to closed. The open fracture designations are based on the Gustilo open fracture classification.
Medical necessity for treatment of a forearm fracture is established by the presence of a fracture confirmed by imaging studies. The chosen treatment (conservative vs. surgical) must be appropriate for the specific fracture type and severity to restore function and prevent complications.
Physicians diagnose forearm fractures based on physical examination, medical history, and imaging studies like X-rays and CT scans. Treatment options vary depending on the severity and type of fracture, ranging from conservative management with casts or splints to surgical interventions like open reduction and internal fixation using plates, screws, or rods.
- Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)
- Injuries to the elbow and forearm (S50-S59)
In simple words: A broken forearm means there's a break in one or both of the bones in your forearm – the radius and ulna. It often happens after a fall or direct hit to your arm. You might feel a lot of pain, see swelling and bruising, and have trouble moving your arm.
Fracture of forearm. A fracture not indicated as displaced or nondisplaced should be coded to displaced. A fracture not indicated as open or closed should be coded to closed. The open fracture designations are based on the Gustilo open fracture classification. Excludes1: traumatic amputation of forearm (S58.-) Excludes2: fracture at wrist and hand level (S62.-) periprosthetic fracture around internal prosthetic elbow joint (M97.4)
Example 1: A 25-year-old male falls while skateboarding and sustains a closed, displaced fracture of both the radius and ulna in his left forearm. The fracture is treated with open reduction and internal fixation., A 60-year-old female trips and falls on an outstretched hand, resulting in a closed, nondisplaced fracture of the ulna in her right forearm. The fracture is treated with a cast., A 40-year-old male is involved in a motor vehicle accident and sustains an open, comminuted fracture of the radius in his left forearm. The fracture requires multiple surgeries for debridement, external fixation, and eventual bone grafting.
Documentation for coding a forearm fracture should include details of the injury mechanism, physical examination findings (e.g., deformity, swelling, tenderness, neurovascular status), type of fracture (open/closed, displaced/nondisplaced, single/both bones), location of fracture (proximal, middle, distal third), and treatment provided (conservative vs. surgical). Imaging reports (X-ray, CT scan) are essential for confirming the diagnosis and guiding treatment.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Trauma Surgery, Family Medicine
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, On Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Off Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Office,Ambulatory Surgical Center, Independent Clinic, Physician's Office