ICD 10 CM S52.109M | Description & Clinical Information

ICD 10 S52.109M describes a fracture of the upper end of an unspecified radius, which occurs at the elbow joint where the radius and ulna meet the humerus, resulting from a sudden or direct blow to the elbow, motor vehicle accident, sports activities, or fall on an outstretched hand, and may or may not involve displacement of the fractured fragments, with type I or II indicating minimal to moderate soft tissue damage and anterior or posterior radial head dislocation according to the Gustilo classification, while the provider’s documentation does not specify the type of fracture or the affected arm, and this code is used for a subsequent encounter for an open fracture that is exposed through a tear or laceration of the skin caused by displaced fracture fragments or external injury that fails to unite.

Official Description Of S52.109M

The ICD 10 CM book defines ICD 10 code S52.109M as:

When To Use S52.109M

The diagnosis describes by ICD 10 CM S52.109M is a medical code used to identify unspecified fractures in the upper end of the radius. This type of injury is common and can cause a range of symptoms such as pain and swelling, bruising, difficulty moving the elbow, and deformity. Additionally, patients may experience numbness and tingling at the affected site due to nerve or blood vessel damage.

When diagnosing this condition, healthcare providers rely on the patient’s history and physical examination, as well as imaging techniques such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and bone scans. These tests are used to assess the severity of the injury and identify any associated dislocations of the radial head.

The treatment plan for this diagnosis varies depending on the extent of the injury. Stable and closed fractures can often heal on their own with proper care such as applying ice packs, using a splint or cast to restrict limb movement, and taking medications like analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for pain relief. On the other hand, unstable fractures or those with an associated dislocation often require fixation to realign the bone and promote healing.

In cases of open fractures, where the skin is broken, surgery is required to clean and close the wound. Additionally, any secondary injuries must be addressed before treatment for the fracture can begin. Patients with this diagnosis may also benefit from exercises to improve the flexibility, strength, and range of motion of the arm.

It is important to note that while the ICD 10 CM S52.109M diagnosis code may seem straightforward, it often indicates a more complex injury that requires specialized care. Patients with this diagnosis should seek medical attention promptly to ensure proper treatment and recovery.