ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM84.33

M84.33

Billable

Stress fracture, ulna and radius

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/17/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 M84.33 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of stress fracture, ulna and radius.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A stress fracture of the ulna and radius is a type of incomplete fracture that occurs due to repetitive stress or overuse, often seen in athletes or individuals with high physical demands. Unlike acute fractures, stress fractures develop gradually and are characterized by localized pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest. The ulna and radius are the two long bones of the forearm, and stress fractures in these bones can result from conditions such as osteoporosis, which weakens bone density and increases susceptibility to fractures. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI, and assessment of bone density. Treatment often includes rest, modification of activities, and in some cases, physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve bone health. Understanding the underlying bone metabolism and density disorders is crucial for effective management and prevention of future fractures.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between stress fractures and other types of fractures
  • Understanding the patient's history of bone density disorders
  • Identifying the specific location and severity of the fracture
  • Documenting the patient's activity level and risk factors

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to document co-existing conditions like osteoporosis
  • Misclassification of the type of fracture
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on treatment and recovery

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of the injury, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Athletes presenting with forearm pain after increased training intensity.

Billing Considerations

Ensure to document any underlying bone density issues and previous fractures.

Endocrinology

Documentation Requirements

Bone density test results, history of osteoporosis, and treatment for metabolic bone disease.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with osteoporosis presenting with stress fractures.

Billing Considerations

Document the patient's overall bone health and any medications affecting bone metabolism.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M84.33 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines for fractures, ensuring to capture the specific site and type of fracture
  • Include any relevant history of osteoporosis or other bone density disorders

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M84.33 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

20610CPT Code

Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection into a major joint or bursa

Clinical Scenario

Used when joint aspiration is needed due to swelling from stress fractures.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for aspiration and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists may frequently perform this procedure.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of stress fractures, improving the ability to track and manage these conditions effectively. The granularity of ICD-10 codes helps in understanding the epidemiology of stress fractures and their relationship with bone density disorders.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of stress fractures, improving the ability to track and manage these conditions effectively. The granularity of ICD-10 codes helps in understanding the epidemiology of stress fractures and their relationship with bone density disorders.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of stress fractures, improving the ability to track and manage these conditions effectively. The granularity of ICD-10 codes helps in understanding the epidemiology of stress fractures and their relationship with bone density disorders.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of stress fractures in the ulna and radius?

Common causes include repetitive activities such as running, gymnastics, or manual labor, especially in individuals with underlying bone density issues.