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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS52.266

S52.266

Billable

Nondisplaced segmental fracture of shaft of ulna, unspecified arm

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S52.266 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of nondisplaced segmental fracture of shaft of ulna, unspecified arm.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A nondisplaced segmental fracture of the shaft of the ulna refers to a fracture that occurs in the ulna bone, which is one of the two long bones in the forearm, without any displacement of the fracture fragments. This type of fracture can occur due to various mechanisms, including falls, direct blows, or sports injuries. Segmental fractures involve a fracture line that creates two or more separate fragments of bone, which can complicate healing and may require careful monitoring. The unspecified arm designation indicates that the fracture can occur in either the left or right ulna, and the specific arm is not documented. Clinically, these fractures may present with pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the affected arm. It is crucial to assess for associated injuries, such as fractures of the radius or elbow joint involvement, as these can impact treatment and recovery. Treatment may involve conservative management with immobilization or surgical intervention, depending on the fracture's stability and the patient's overall health status.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in documentation of laterality (left vs. right arm)
  • Need for precise description of fracture type (nondisplaced vs. displaced)
  • Potential for associated injuries (e.g., radius fractures)
  • Differentiation from similar codes (e.g., other ulna fractures)

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of fracture type and location
  • Failure to document associated injuries or complications
  • Misclassification of fracture displacement
  • Lack of clarity on treatment plan and follow-up

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed imaging reports, surgical notes, and follow-up assessments are essential for accurate coding.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

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

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Thorough documentation of initial assessment, imaging results, and treatment provided in the emergency setting.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute forearm pain and swelling after trauma.

Billing Considerations

Document the mechanism of injury and any immediate interventions performed.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S52.266 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S52
  • 266 should be used when the fracture is confirmed as nondisplaced and segmental
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated injuries are also coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S52.266 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

25600CPT Code

Closed treatment of fracture, ulna

Clinical Scenario

Used when a nondisplaced fracture is treated without surgery.

Documentation Requirements

Document the method of treatment and follow-up care.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic documentation should detail the fracture type and treatment plan.

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. S52.266 provides a clear distinction for nondisplaced segmental fractures, which aids in clinical management and research.

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. S52.266 provides a clear distinction for nondisplaced segmental fractures, which aids in clinical management and research.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. S52.266 provides a clear distinction for nondisplaced segmental fractures, which aids in clinical management and research.

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 that the bone cracks but maintains its proper alignment, while a displaced fracture involves a break where the bone fragments are misaligned.