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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS52.272

S52.272

Billable

Monteggia's fracture of left ulna

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S52.272 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of monteggia's fracture of left ulna.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Monteggia's fracture is characterized by an injury to the ulna, typically involving a fracture of the ulna shaft along with an associated fracture or dislocation of the radial head. This injury often occurs due to a fall on an outstretched hand or direct trauma to the forearm. In the case of a Monteggia fracture of the left ulna, the fracture occurs on the left side, which can lead to complications such as instability of the elbow joint and potential nerve injury. The management of this fracture often requires surgical intervention to realign the bones and stabilize the fracture, which may involve the use of plates, screws, or intramedullary nails. Post-operative care is crucial to prevent complications such as compartment syndrome, which can arise from swelling and increased pressure within the muscle compartments of the forearm. Proper rehabilitation is essential for restoring function and strength to the affected arm.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Involvement of multiple bones (ulna and radius)
  • Potential for associated nerve injuries
  • Variability in fracture patterns
  • Need for surgical intervention and fixation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture type and location
  • Failure to document associated injuries (e.g., radial head dislocation)
  • Lack of clarity on surgical procedures performed
  • Inconsistent coding of follow-up visits

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes, imaging reports, and post-operative care plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Surgical repair of Monteggia fractures, management of complications, and follow-up assessments.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate documentation of fracture type, surgical approach, and any complications encountered during treatment.

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 and coordination of orthopedic referrals.

Billing Considerations

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

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S52.272 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines for fractures, ensuring to document the specific type of fracture and any associated injuries
  • Include details about the treatment provided and any complications that arise

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S52.272 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 performed to stabilize the fracture.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure, fixation method, and post-operative care.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should ensure comprehensive documentation of the surgical approach and any complications.

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 treatment plans.

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 treatment plans.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

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

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 a fracture of the ulna along with an associated dislocation of the radial head. It is typically caused by trauma to the forearm.