ICD-10-CM Billable Code

S52.245

Nondisplaced spiral fracture of shaft of ulna, left arm

Clinical Classification Guidelines

Medical Intelligence & Overview

A nondisplaced spiral fracture of the shaft of the ulna is a specific type of bone break in the forearm. It occurs when the bone is twisted along its length, resulting in a spiral-shaped crack. Because the fracture is nondisplaced, the broken bone pieces remain aligned, which typically leads to a simpler healing process. This injury affects the ulna, one of the two long bones in the forearm, situated on the side of the little finger. When it happens in the left arm, it may impact daily activities and require treatment for proper healing.

Causes & Symptoms

Clinical Causes: Twisting or rotational injuries, such as falling while trying to catch oneself Direct trauma from a blow or impact to the forearm Sports-related accidents involving forceful twisting motions Falls onto an outstretched hand, leading to twisting of the arm Severe accidents, like car crashes, that exert twisting forces on the arm

Key Symptoms: Pain along the inner side of the forearm, especially where the fracture is located Swelling and tenderness in the affected area Bruising or discoloration around the injury site Limited movement or difficulty rotating the forearm A feeling of instability when attempting to move the arm Possible deformity or abnormal angle, although less common in nondisplaced fractures Sensitivity to touch in the area of the break

Diagnostic & Treatment

Diagnosis Path: To confirm a nondisplaced spiral fracture of the ulna, a healthcare professional will typically perform a physical examination to assess pain, swelling, and deformity. Imaging tests, primarily X-rays, are essential for visualizing the fracture’s location, pattern, and whether the bone segments remain aligned. Sometimes additional imaging, such as CT scans, may be utilized for detailed assessment, especially in complicated cases or to plan surgical intervention if needed.

Treatment Protocols: Management of a nondisplaced spiral fracture of the ulna aims to facilitate proper healing and restore function. Treatment options generally include:

Reimbursement claims with a date of service on or after October 1, 2015 require the use of ICD-10-CM codes.

Clinical Advice & FAQs

Billing Guidance

Is S52.245 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, S52.245 is a specific, billable code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

Documentation

How do I report S52.245?
Clinical documentation must specify the nature of Nondisplaced spiral fracture of shaft of ulna, left arm and any associated comorbidities for accurate reporting.

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