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v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS52.211

S52.211

Billable

Greenstick fracture of shaft of right ulna

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/24/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 S52.211 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of greenstick fracture of shaft of right ulna.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A greenstick fracture is a type of incomplete fracture that occurs primarily in children, where the bone bends and cracks on one side without breaking completely through. In the case of the right ulna, this fracture affects the shaft of the bone, which is the long, straight portion of the ulna. This injury typically results from a fall or direct trauma, leading to pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the affected arm. The ulna is one of the two long bones in the forearm, and its fracture can impact the stability of the wrist and elbow joints. Treatment often involves immobilization with a cast or splint, and in some cases, orthopedic fixation may be necessary if the fracture is unstable or if there is a risk of compartment syndrome, which can occur due to swelling and increased pressure within the muscle compartments of the forearm. Proper assessment and management are crucial to prevent complications and ensure optimal healing.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between complete and incomplete fractures
  • Understanding pediatric fracture patterns
  • Identifying associated injuries in the forearm
  • Recognizing the need for potential surgical intervention

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the fracture type
  • Failure to specify laterality (right vs. left)
  • Misclassification of fracture severity
  • Lack of imaging reports to support diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on fracture type, treatment plan, and follow-up care.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures resulting from sports injuries, falls, or accidents.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate coding of associated procedures such as fixation or casting.

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Growth and development considerations, as well as family history of bone health.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Injuries from play or sports, particularly in active children.

Billing Considerations

Consideration of growth plate involvement and potential for future complications.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S52.211 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding fractures, including the need to specify laterality and the type of fracture
  • Ensure that documentation supports the diagnosis and treatment provided

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S52.211 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

25600CPT Code

Closed treatment of fracture, ulna

Clinical Scenario

Used when a greenstick fracture is treated without surgical intervention.

Documentation Requirements

Document the method of treatment and any follow-up care.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should ensure that the treatment plan is clearly outlined.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S52.211 provides detailed information about the type and location of the fracture, which is essential for treatment planning and outcomes assessment.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. S52.211 provides detailed information about the type and location of the fracture, which is essential for treatment planning and outcomes assessment.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S52.211 provides detailed information about the type and location of the fracture, which is essential for treatment planning and outcomes assessment.

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 is a greenstick fracture?

A greenstick fracture is an incomplete fracture that occurs when a bone bends and cracks on one side without breaking completely through, commonly seen in children.

How is a greenstick fracture treated?

Treatment typically involves immobilization with a cast or splint, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary if the fracture is unstable.