ICD 10 CM S52.299B | Description & Clinical Information

ICD 10 S52.299B describes a fracture or discontinuity in the middle part of the ulna, which is the smaller of the two forearm bones, caused by trauma or overuse, and is identified by the provider as a specific type of fracture of the shaft of the ulna that is not represented by another code, but does not include documentation of whether the injury involves the left or right ulna at the initial encounter for an open fracture exposed through a tear or laceration of the skin caused by the fracture or an external injury, with type I or type II referring to the Gustilo classification for open long bone fractures.

Official Description Of S52.299B

The ICD 10 CM book defines ICD 10 code S52.299B as:

When To Use S52.299B

The diagnosis code ICD 10 CM S52.299B identifies a specific type of fracture in the shaft of an unspecified ulna bone. This fracture may occur due to a range of causes, including falls, car accidents, and sports injuries.

The symptoms of the fracture can include pain and swelling, bruising, difficulty moving the elbow, deformity in the elbow, limited range of motion, and numbness and tingling at the affected site due to injury to blood vessels and nerves. These symptoms can severely impact an individual’s daily life and may require medical attention.

Providers diagnose the condition based on the patient’s history and physical examination, which may include assessing the range of motion in the elbow and examining any visible deformities. In addition, imaging techniques such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and bone scans may be used to assess the severity of the injury.

The treatment for this type of fracture depends on various factors, including the severity of the injury and the patient’s overall health. Stable and closed fractures rarely require surgery, and treatment can include the application of ice packs to reduce swelling, a splint or cast to restrict limb movement, and exercises to improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion of the arm.

If a fracture is unstable, it may require fixation using hardware such as screws, plates, or rods to hold the bone in place during the healing process. Open fractures, where the bone is sticking out of the skin or an open wound is present, require surgery to close the wound and stabilize the bone.

In addition to physical treatments, patients may also be prescribed medications such as analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to manage pain. Treatment of any secondary injuries may also be necessary to ensure the patient has the best possible outcome.

Patients with a fracture in the shaft of an unspecified ulna bone should seek medical attention as soon as possible to ensure appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention can help to reduce pain and discomfort and may prevent further complications such as nerve damage or infection.

Overall, the ICD 10 CM S52.299B code is essential in accurately identifying and treating a fracture in the shaft of an unspecified ulna bone. Medical coders play a crucial role in ensuring that healthcare providers have access to the correct diagnosis code, enabling them to provide the best possible care to their patients.