Stress fracture, left radius
ICD-10 M84.334 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of stress fracture, left radius.
A stress fracture of the left radius is a small crack in the bone that occurs due to repetitive force or overuse, often seen in athletes or individuals with increased physical activity. This type of fracture is particularly common in weight-bearing bones, including the radius, which is one of the two bones in the forearm. Stress fractures can develop when the bone is subjected to more stress than it can handle, often exacerbated by conditions such as osteoporosis or low bone density. In patients with osteoporosis, the bones are more fragile and susceptible to fractures, including stress fractures. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, patient history, and imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI, which can reveal the fracture not visible on standard X-rays. Treatment usually involves rest, modification of activities, and sometimes physical therapy to strengthen the surrounding muscles and improve bone health. Monitoring bone density and addressing any underlying metabolic bone disorders is crucial to prevent future fractures.
Detailed notes on the mechanism of injury, imaging results, and treatment plan.
Athletes presenting with forearm pain after increased training intensity.
Ensure to document any underlying bone density issues and previous fractures.
Assessment of bone density and metabolic bone disorders.
Patients with osteoporosis presenting with stress fractures.
Documenting the patient's history of osteoporosis and any treatments received.
Used when imaging is performed to confirm a stress fracture.
Document the reason for the imaging and findings.
Orthopedic specialists should ensure imaging correlates with clinical findings.
A stress fracture is a small crack in the bone caused by repetitive force or overuse, while a regular fracture is typically the result of a single traumatic event. Stress fractures often develop gradually and may not be immediately visible on X-rays.