S42.323
Displaced transverse fracture of shaft of humerus, unspecified arm
Clinical Classification Guidelines
Medical Intelligence & Overview
A displaced transverse fracture of the shaft of the humerus is a specific type of bone injury affecting the upper arm. The humerus is the long bone that runs from the shoulder to the elbow. When this bone experiences a fracture where the broken parts are misaligned — or displaced — it can impact arm movement and require specialized treatment. The ICD-10 code S42.323 is used by healthcare professionals to classify and record this type of fracture in medical documentation and insurance claims.
Causes & Symptoms
Clinical Causes: Direct trauma or blow to the upper arm, such as during a fall or accident Falls onto an outstretched arm Motor vehicle accidents Sports injuries involving a direct blow or twisting force Osteoporosis or other conditions causing weakened bones, increasing fracture risk Repetitive stress or overuse injuries in rare cases
Key Symptoms: Immediate pain at the site of injury, which may worsen with movement Swelling and tenderness in the upper arm Visible deformity or abnormal angulation of the arm if the bones are displaced Difficulty or inability to move the arm or shoulder Bruising around the site of injury A grinding or clicking sensation during movement
Diagnostic & Treatment
Diagnosis Path: X-ray imaging, which clearly shows the fracture line and displacement Additional imaging like CT scans may be used for complex fractures or to plan surgical intervention Assessment of neurovascular status to check for nerve or blood vessel injury
Treatment Protocols: Immobilization of the arm using a cast or brace to keep the bones in position Pain management with medications prescribed by a healthcare professional Closed reduction procedures to realign displaced bone fragments without surgery Surgical intervention like internal fixation using plates, screws, or rods to stabilize the fracture Rehabilitation involving physical therapy to restore strength, mobility, and function after healing Monitoring healing progress through follow-up imaging and clinical evaluations
Clinical Advice & FAQs
Billing Guidance
Is S42.323 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, S42.323 is a specific, billable code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.
Documentation
How do I report S42.323?
Clinical documentation must specify the nature of Displaced transverse fracture of shaft of humerus, unspecified arm and any associated comorbidities for accurate reporting.
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