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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS52.241

S52.241

Billable

Displaced spiral fracture of shaft of ulna, right arm

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S52.241 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of displaced spiral fracture of shaft of ulna, right arm.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A displaced spiral fracture of the shaft of the ulna in the right arm is characterized by a helical fracture line that encircles the bone, resulting in a misalignment of the bone fragments. This type of fracture typically occurs due to a twisting injury or a fall onto an outstretched hand, where the force is transmitted through the arm. The ulna, one of the two long bones in the forearm, plays a crucial role in wrist and elbow stability. Displacement indicates that the fracture fragments are not aligned, which can lead to complications such as impaired function, pain, and potential compartment syndrome if swelling occurs. Treatment often involves orthopedic fixation procedures, such as internal fixation with plates or screws, to restore proper alignment and stability. Post-operative care is essential to monitor for complications and ensure proper healing. Rehabilitation may include physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion in the affected arm.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Need for precise documentation of fracture type and location
  • Differentiation between displaced and non-displaced fractures
  • Potential for associated injuries to the radius or elbow
  • Variability in treatment approaches (surgical vs. non-surgical)

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the fracture type
  • Failure to specify the laterality of the fracture
  • Misclassification of fracture displacement
  • Omission of associated injuries or complications

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, imaging studies, and post-operative notes are essential for accurate coding.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures resulting from sports injuries, falls, or accidents requiring surgical intervention.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the complexity of the fracture and any associated procedures performed.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Accurate initial assessment notes, imaging results, and treatment plans must be documented.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute trauma to the arm, requiring immediate evaluation and stabilization.

Billing Considerations

Document the mechanism of injury and any immediate interventions performed to support coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S52.241 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of fracture type, laterality, and any associated conditions
  • Include details about the mechanism of injury and treatment provided

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S52.241 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

25607CPT Code

Open treatment of distal ulnar fracture

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for fracture stabilization.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and any complications.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the specifics of the fracture and fixation method.

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. S52.241 provides detailed information about the fracture type and location, which is essential for treatment planning and outcomes tracking.

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. S52.241 provides detailed information about the fracture type and location, which is essential for treatment planning and outcomes tracking.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S52.241 provides detailed information about the fracture type and location, which is essential for treatment planning and outcomes tracking.

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 the difference between a displaced and non-displaced fracture?

A displaced fracture means that the bone fragments are not aligned, while a non-displaced fracture indicates that the bone remains in its normal position despite the fracture.