2025 ICD-10-CM code S52.509A
Unspecified fracture of the lower end of unspecified radius, initial encounter for closed fracture.
Medical necessity for treatment is established by the presence of a fracture confirmed through imaging studies.The specific treatment approach (conservative vs. surgical) is determined by the fracture type, displacement, and the patient's overall health and functional needs.Associated soft tissue injuries or nerve involvement also influence medical necessity for specific interventions.
Diagnosis is typically made through physical examination and imaging studies like X-rays, MRI, CT scans, or bone scans. Treatment for stable, closed fractures often involves immobilization with a splint or cast, pain management with analgesics or NSAIDs, and exercises to restore function. Unstable or open fractures may require surgical intervention, such as internal fixation, to realign and stabilize the bone.Fractures of the distal radius can lead to pain, swelling, bruising, limited elbow movement, wrist deformity, and numbness or tingling due to nerve or blood vessel damage.
- Chapter 19: Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)
- S52.5: Unspecified fracture of lower end of radiusS52: Fracture of forearmS50-S59: Injuries to the elbow and forearmS00-T88: Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes
In simple words: A break in the bone at the bottom of the forearm, near the wrist,It is not specified whether the break is on the right or left arm. The skin is not broken.
An unspecified fracture of the lower end of an unspecified radius refers to a break in the bone near the wrist.It is not specified whether the fracture is of the right or left radius. This is an initial encounter for a closed fracture, meaning the bone did not penetrate the skin.
Example 1: A 25-year-old patient falls on an outstretched hand and presents with pain and swelling in the wrist.An X-ray reveals a closed, unspecified fracture of the distal radius.The patient is treated with a cast and pain medication., A 70-year-old patient sustains a fracture to the lower end of the radius during a motor vehicle accident. The fracture is closed and unspecified. Due to the patient's age and the nature of the injury, surgical intervention is considered for optimal healing., A patient presents with pain and limited mobility in their wrist after a fall. Imaging reveals an unspecified, closed distal radius fracture. Due to the involvement of the median nerve, the patient experiences numbness and tingling in their hand. The fracture is treated with a splint, pain medication and follow-up for nerve function assessment.
Documentation should include details of the incident causing the fracture, physical examination findings (e.g., swelling, deformity, tenderness), and results of imaging studies confirming the fracture. The affected side (right or left) should ideally be specified.Neurovascular assessment findings should also be documented.
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Emergency Medicine, Family Medicine
- Place of Service:Emergency Room - Hospital, Office, Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital