S52.353
Displaced comminuted fracture of shaft of radius, unspecified arm
Clinical Classification Guidelines
Medical Intelligence & Overview
A displaced comminuted fracture of the shaft of the radius is a complex bone injury involving a break in the long middle section of the radius, one of the two large bones in the forearm. When the fracture is comminuted, the bone is shattered into multiple pieces, and displacement refers to the bones being out of their normal position. This type of fracture often results from significant trauma and requires careful medical management to restore proper arm function.
Causes & Symptoms
Clinical Causes: High-impact trauma such as falls from a height Motor vehicle accidents Sports injuries involving direct blows or falls Direct blows to the forearm Osteoporosis leading to weakened bones and increased fracture risk
Key Symptoms: Immediate pain at the forearm Swelling and tenderness around the injury site Visible deformity or abnormal angulation of the arm Bruising around the area Limited or painful movement of the wrist and elbow In some cases, numbness or tingling if nerves are affected
Diagnostic & Treatment
Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis begins with a thorough physical examination to assess visible deformity, swelling, and tenderness. Imaging studies, predominantly X-rays, are essential for confirming the fracture's presence, its extent, and the degree of displacement or comminution. Additional imaging such as CT scans may be used in complex cases to better understand fragment positioning. Proper diagnosis is critical to determine the most appropriate treatment plan.
Treatment Protocols: Management of a displaced comminuted fracture of the radius generally involves surgical intervention to realign the bone fragments and stabilize them for healing. This may include:
Clinical Advice & FAQs
Billing Guidance
Is S52.353 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, S52.353 is a specific, billable code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.
Documentation
How do I report S52.353?
Clinical documentation must specify the nature of Displaced comminuted fracture of shaft of radius, unspecified arm and any associated comorbidities for accurate reporting.
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