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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesS52.34

S52.34

Billable

Spiral fracture of shaft of radius

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

Code Description

ICD-10 S52.34 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of spiral fracture of shaft of radius.

Key Diagnostic Point:

A spiral fracture of the shaft of the radius is a type of bone fracture characterized by a helical break in the radius bone, typically occurring due to a twisting force. This injury is common in sports and falls, particularly in children and young adults. The radius is one of the two long bones in the forearm, and its shaft is the long, cylindrical portion between the proximal and distal ends. Spiral fractures can lead to complications such as malunion or nonunion if not properly treated. The fracture may also affect surrounding structures, including the elbow joint, leading to potential complications such as compartment syndrome, which is a serious condition that occurs when there is increased pressure within a muscle compartment, potentially compromising blood flow and nerve function. Treatment often involves orthopedic fixation procedures, such as internal fixation with plates and screws or external fixation, to stabilize the fracture and promote healing. Proper documentation of the mechanism of injury, fracture type, and any associated complications is crucial for accurate coding and reimbursement.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Variability in fracture presentation and classification
  • Potential for associated injuries (e.g., elbow fractures, compartment syndrome)
  • Need for detailed documentation of treatment procedures
  • Variations in surgical approaches and fixation methods

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to document associated injuries or complications
  • Incorrect coding of fracture type or location
  • Lack of clarity in operative reports regarding fixation methods

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, including fracture type, fixation method, and any complications.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate documentation of the fracture's characteristics and any associated injuries to support coding.

Emergency Medicine

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment notes, including mechanism of injury and initial treatment provided.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute forearm pain and swelling after trauma.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the initial assessment and any imaging results is crucial for accurate coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use S52.34 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, S52
  • 34 should be used when a spiral fracture of the shaft of the radius is confirmed through imaging
  • It is important to document the specific location of the fracture and any associated injuries

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use S52.34 When
  • Exclusions include fractures that are not spiral in nature or those that involve the distal or proximal ends of the radius

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

25600CPT Code

Closed treatment of radius fracture

Clinical Scenario

Used for non-surgical management of a spiral fracture.

Documentation Requirements

Document the method of treatment and follow-up care.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should ensure detailed notes on fracture assessment.

25605CPT Code

Open treatment of radius fracture

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical intervention is required for a spiral fracture.

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative report including fixation method.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic documentation must include pre-operative and post-operative assessments.

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 the ability to capture the nature of the fracture (spiral) and its implications for treatment. This specificity aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of fractures, including the ability to capture the nature of the fracture (spiral) and its implications for treatment. This specificity aids in better tracking of treatment outcomes and resource allocation.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and to avoid denials.

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 primary cause of a spiral fracture of the radius?

Spiral fractures of the radius are primarily caused by a twisting force applied to the forearm, often seen in sports injuries or falls.

How is a spiral fracture of the radius treated?

Treatment may involve conservative management with splinting or casting, or surgical intervention with internal fixation, depending on the fracture's severity and associated injuries.