ICD 10 CM S52.012D | Description & Clinical Information

ICD 10 S52.012D describes a type of fracture, commonly known as a buckle fracture or torus fracture, that occurs at the upper end of the left ulna, where the bone swells or bulges due to an incomplete break at the elbow joint where it connects with the humerus and radius, typically caused by trauma from falling on the elbow or outstretched arm or blunt force injury to the forearm, and is most commonly seen in young children and the elderly, with this code being used for a subsequent encounter for a normally healing fracture.

Official Description Of S52.012D

The ICD 10 CM book defines ICD 10 code S52.012D as:

When To Use S52.012D

The diagnosis describes by the ICD 10 CM S52.012D code refers to a torus fracture that occurs at the upper end of the left ulna bone. This type of fracture generally happens to children and adolescents who are actively engaged in sports, as well as older people who have weak bones. The fracture usually happens when a force is applied to the bone, causing it to bend.

Patients who have a torus fracture at the upper end of the left ulna bone may experience pain at the injured site, immediate swelling, bruising, and deformity of the surrounding area. The patient can also have stiffness in the joint, tenderness, and have difficulty rotating their forearm.

To diagnose a torus fracture, healthcare providers typically take the patient’s medical history and conduct a thorough physical examination. They may also order a plain X-ray test to determine the location of the fracture.

After proper diagnosis, healthcare providers offer treatment options to alleviate the patient’s discomfort. Generally, the fractured area is immobilized with a splint or soft cast to reduce swelling and pain and to promote healing. The patient may also be prescribed nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication to manage any pain and inflammation.

Thankfully, most torus fractures don’t require surgery. However, patients need to be diligent about caring for the injury, and it is recommended that they follow their physician’s advice religiously. The injury must be monitored to ensure that it heals correctly and to prevent any complications, such as restricted range of motion or improper healing.

In conclusion, the ICD 10 CM S52.012D code precisely identifies and diagnoses the torus fracture of the upper end of the left ulna bone. Healthcare providers can take appropriate steps to ensure that a patient with this condition is treated properly, including pain management and immobilizing the area to promote healing. With proper care and monitoring, patients can make full recoveries from this type of injury.