S55.19
Other specified injury of radial artery at forearm level
Clinical Classification Guidelines
Medical Intelligence & Overview
Injuries to the radial artery at the forearm level are medical conditions involving damage to this key blood vessel. The radial artery is an important artery that supplies blood to the hand and wrist. When this artery sustains an injury, it can impact blood flow, potentially leading to complications if not properly treated. The ICD-10 code S55.19 refers to other specified injuries of the radial artery at the forearm level, encompassing various types of injuries that do not fall into more common categories but still require medical attention.
Causes & Symptoms
Clinical Causes: Trauma from lacerations or cuts sustained during accidents or falls Penetrating wounds from objects such as knives or sharp instruments Blunt force injuries causing damage without skin penetration Surgical complications or iatrogenic injuries during medical procedures involving the forearm Fractures of the forearm bones that may compromise the radial artery
Key Symptoms: Pain and tenderness along the forearm or wrist Swelling or hematoma indicating bleeding under the skin Pale or bluish skin color in the hand or fingers (signs of compromised blood flow) Weakness or numbness in the hand or fingers Decreased pulse or absence of pulse in the radial artery in the wrist area Visible or palpable bleeding
Diagnostic & Treatment
Diagnosis Path: Physical assessment to check for swelling, discoloration, pulse, and nerve function Doppler ultrasound to assess blood flow and locate the injury Angiography, a specialized imaging technique involving contrast dye to visualize blood vessels X-rays if there is suspicion of associated bone fractures
Treatment Protocols: Application of direct pressure to control bleeding Immobilization of the forearm to prevent further injury Surgical repair, such as suturing the artery or bypass procedures, in cases of severe damage Use of vascular grafts if the artery cannot be repaired directly Antibiotics and wound care to prevent infection Monitoring of blood flow and nerve function during recovery
Clinical Advice & FAQs
Billing Guidance
Is S55.19 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, S55.19 is a specific, billable code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.
Documentation
How do I report S55.19?
Clinical documentation must specify the nature of Other specified injury of radial artery at forearm level and any associated comorbidities for accurate reporting.
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