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 CodesS52.271

S52.271

Billable

Monteggia's fracture of right ulna

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S52.271 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of monteggia's fracture of right ulna.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Monteggia's fracture is characterized by an injury to the ulna accompanied by an associated fracture of the radial head. This injury typically occurs due to a fall on an outstretched hand or direct trauma to the forearm. The fracture of the ulna is often located in the mid-shaft region, while the radial head fracture may be subtle and requires careful imaging for diagnosis. Clinically, patients may present with pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the elbow and forearm. Complications can include compartment syndrome, which is a serious condition that arises from increased pressure within the muscle compartments of the forearm, potentially leading to muscle and nerve damage. Treatment usually involves orthopedic fixation procedures, such as internal fixation with plates and screws, to stabilize the fracture and allow for proper healing. Rehabilitation is essential to restore function and strength to the affected limb. Accurate coding of this condition is crucial for appropriate management and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of both ulna and radial injuries
  • Need for precise documentation of fracture type and location
  • Potential for associated complications like compartment syndrome
  • Differentiation from other forearm fractures

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture details
  • Failure to note associated injuries
  • Misclassification of fracture type
  • Lack of imaging reports to support diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes, imaging results, and follow-up care plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical repair of Monteggia fractures, management of complications like compartment syndrome.

Billing Considerations

Ensure all fracture details are documented, including the mechanism of injury and any associated injuries.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Initial assessment notes, imaging results, and treatment provided in the emergency setting.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Initial evaluation of trauma patients with suspected Monteggia fractures.

Billing Considerations

Document the mechanism of injury and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S52.271 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the fracture type, location, and any associated injuries
  • Include details on the mechanism of injury and treatment provided

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S52.271 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

24500CPT Code

Open treatment of fracture of ulna

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for a Monteggia fracture.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the complexity of the fracture and any fixation devices used.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, including Monteggia fractures, which enhances the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, including Monteggia fractures, which enhances the accuracy of patient records and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 Monteggia fracture?

A Monteggia fracture is a specific type of fracture that involves an injury to the ulna along with an associated fracture of the radial head. It is typically caused by trauma to the forearm.