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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS52.232

S52.232

Billable

Displaced oblique fracture of shaft of left ulna

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S52.232 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of displaced oblique fracture of shaft of left ulna.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A displaced oblique fracture of the shaft of the left ulna is characterized by a break in the bone that occurs at an angle, resulting in the bone fragments being misaligned. This type of fracture typically occurs due to trauma, such as a fall or direct blow to the arm. The ulna is one of the two long bones in the forearm, and its shaft is the long, straight portion between the elbow and wrist. Displacement indicates that the fracture fragments are not aligned, which can lead to complications such as impaired function, pain, and potential nerve or vascular injury. Treatment often involves orthopedic intervention, which may include closed reduction and immobilization or surgical fixation, depending on the severity and displacement of the fracture. Complications such as compartment syndrome, which can occur due to swelling and increased pressure within the muscle compartments of the forearm, must be monitored closely. Proper diagnosis and management are crucial to ensure optimal recovery and restore function to the affected limb.

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 soft tissue
  • Variability in treatment approaches (surgical vs. non-surgical)

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture type and displacement
  • Failure to document associated injuries or complications
  • Incorrect coding of laterality (left vs. right)
  • Lack of clarity on treatment provided (surgical vs. conservative)

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Documentation must clearly indicate the type of fracture, treatment performed, and any complications.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Initial assessment notes, imaging results, and treatment plans must be comprehensive.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Accurate documentation of mechanism of injury and initial management is critical for coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S52.232 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, S52
  • 232 should be used when there is a documented displaced oblique fracture of the left ulna shaft
  • It is important to ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and includes details about the fracture's characteristics

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S52.232 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

25600CPT Code

Closed treatment of fracture, ulna, with manipulation

Clinical Scenario

Used when a closed reduction is performed for a displaced fracture.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the manipulation and stabilization of the fracture.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the specifics of the fracture and treatment.

24500CPT Code

Open treatment of fracture, ulna, with internal fixation

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for a displaced fracture.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative report and post-operative care notes.

Specialty Considerations

Must include details on the type of fixation used 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 details about displacement and laterality, which enhances the accuracy of medical records and billing.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, including details about displacement and laterality, which enhances the accuracy of medical records and billing.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

billing.

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 means the bone remains in its normal position despite the fracture.

How is a displaced oblique fracture treated?

Treatment may involve closed reduction and immobilization with a cast or surgical intervention with internal fixation, depending on the severity of the displacement.