2025 ICD-10-CM code S52.332K

Displaced oblique fracture of shaft of left radius, subsequent encounter for closed fracture with nonunion

Use secondary codes from Chapter 20 (External causes of morbidity) to indicate the cause of injury.An additional code should be used to identify any retained foreign body, if applicable (Z18.-).This code excludes birth trauma (P10-P15) and obstetric trauma (O70-O71).

Medical necessity for subsequent care is established by the lack of fracture union (nonunion) requiring ongoing treatment and monitoring.

Physicians diagnose this condition based on the patient’s history, physical examination, and imaging techniques such as X-rays, MRI, and CT scans. Treatment options may include splinting or casting, exercises, pain medication, and potentially surgery for unstable fractures or open fractures where the skin is broken.

In simple words: This code describes a follow-up visit for a broken left forearm bone (radius) that hasn't healed properly. The break is angled and the bone pieces are out of place. The skin wasn't broken during the initial injury.

Displaced oblique fracture of the shaft of the left radius, which is the larger of the two forearm bones, refers to a break line that runs diagonally across the central portion of the radius. This commonly results from a combination of bending and twisting forces, caused by sudden or blunt trauma, motor vehicle accidents, or sports activities. This code applies to the subsequent encounter for a closed fracture (not exposed through a tear or laceration of the skin) that fails to unite (nonunion).

Example 1: A patient presents for a follow-up visit after sustaining a closed, displaced oblique fracture of the left radius. The fracture has not united, showing signs of nonunion on X-ray., A patient initially treated with a cast for a displaced oblique fracture of the left radius returns for a follow-up. Imaging reveals the fracture has not healed and is now considered a nonunion., A patient involved in a motor vehicle accident sustained multiple injuries, including a displaced oblique fracture of the left radius. During a subsequent encounter for this fracture, the physician determines it has failed to unite and documents nonunion.

Documentation should include details of the initial injury, subsequent treatments, imaging results confirming nonunion, and the physician's assessment.

  • Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Emergency Medicine
  • Place of Service:Office, Outpatient Hospital, Inpatient Hospital
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