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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS52.344

S52.344

Billable

Nondisplaced spiral fracture of shaft of radius, right arm

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S52.344 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of nondisplaced spiral fracture of shaft of radius, right arm.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A nondisplaced spiral fracture of the shaft of the radius in the right arm occurs when the bone is fractured in a spiral pattern but remains in alignment, meaning the fracture does not cause the bone to shift out of place. This type of fracture is often the result of a twisting injury, commonly seen in sports or falls. Clinically, patients may present with pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the affected arm. The diagnosis is typically confirmed through radiographic imaging, which reveals the characteristic spiral fracture pattern. Treatment often involves immobilization with a cast or splint, and in some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary if there is concern for instability or if the fracture is associated with other injuries, such as to the elbow or ulna. Complications can include compartment syndrome, which is a serious condition that can arise from swelling within the muscle compartments of the forearm, leading to increased pressure and potential muscle and nerve damage. Proper assessment and management are crucial to prevent long-term functional impairment.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between displaced and nondisplaced fractures
  • Identifying the specific location of the fracture (shaft of radius)
  • Understanding the implications of spiral fractures versus other types
  • Potential for associated injuries to the elbow or ulna

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the fracture type and location
  • Failure to document the mechanism of injury
  • Lack of follow-up documentation regarding treatment and outcomes
  • Misclassification of fracture as displaced when it is nondisplaced

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed descriptions of the fracture type, location, and treatment plan.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Fractures resulting from sports injuries, falls, or accidents.

Billing Considerations

Need to document any surgical interventions or complications.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Immediate assessment findings, imaging results, and initial treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute pain and swelling after trauma.

Billing Considerations

Timely documentation of the mechanism of injury and any associated injuries.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S52.344 When
  • Follow the official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines for fractures, ensuring accurate documentation of the fracture type, location, and any associated conditions
  • Include details about the mechanism of injury and treatment provided

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S52.344 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

25600CPT Code

Application of a cast to the forearm

Clinical Scenario

Used when a nondisplaced spiral fracture is treated conservatively.

Documentation Requirements

Document the type of cast applied and the duration of immobilization.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should ensure follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor healing.

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. S52.344 provides a clear distinction between nondisplaced and displaced fractures, which is crucial 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. S52.344 provides a clear distinction between nondisplaced and displaced fractures, which is crucial for treatment planning and outcomes assessment.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S52.344 provides a clear distinction between nondisplaced and displaced fractures, which is crucial 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 the difference between a nondisplaced and displaced fracture?

A nondisplaced fracture means the bone is cracked but remains aligned, while a displaced fracture means the bone fragments have shifted out of their normal position.