ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS52.281

S52.281

Billable

Bent bone of right ulna

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S52.281 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of bent bone of right ulna.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The code S52.281 refers to a bent bone of the right ulna, which is a specific type of fracture characterized by a deformity in the bone structure without a complete break. This condition often arises from trauma, such as falls or direct impacts, and can lead to complications if not properly managed. The ulna is one of the two long bones in the forearm, and its injury can significantly affect the function of the elbow and wrist. Patients may present with pain, swelling, and limited range of motion in the affected arm. In some cases, a bent ulna may be associated with other injuries, such as fractures of the radius or elbow joint injuries. Compartment syndrome is a potential complication that can occur if swelling leads to increased pressure within the muscle compartments of the forearm, necessitating urgent intervention. Treatment typically involves orthopedic fixation procedures, such as casting or surgical intervention, to restore proper alignment and function of the bone. Accurate coding is essential for appropriate management and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in presentation and severity of the injury
  • Potential for associated injuries (e.g., radius fractures)
  • Need for precise documentation of the injury type and location
  • Differentiation from other types of fractures and deformities

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to note associated injuries or complications
  • Incorrect coding of the side (right vs. left)
  • Misinterpretation of the type of fracture (bent vs. complete)

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the mechanism of injury, physical examination findings, imaging results, and treatment plan.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure that all associated injuries are documented, and the treatment plan is clearly outlined to support the coding.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of the injury, including vital signs, pain assessment, and initial treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

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

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S52.281 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, S52
  • 281 should be used when a patient presents with a bent ulna specifically on the right side
  • It is important to document the nature of the injury, any associated conditions, and the treatment provided

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S52.281 When
  • Exclusion criteria include complete fractures or injuries to the left ulna

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

25600CPT Code

Closed treatment of fracture, distal radius

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient with a bent ulna also has a distal radius fracture.

Documentation Requirements

Document the nature of both fractures and the treatment provided.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should ensure comprehensive documentation of all injuries.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries such as S52.281, improving the accuracy of medical records and facilitating better patient management and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of injuries such as S52.281, improving the accuracy of medical records and facilitating better patient management and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

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 S52.281 and S52.20?

S52.281 specifically refers to a bent bone of the right ulna, while S52.20 is a more general code for fractures of the ulna without specifying the type or location.