ICD 10 CM S52.322R | Description & Clinical Information

ICD 10 S52.322R describes a specific type of fracture in the left radius bone of the forearm, where the break line runs transversely through the central portion of the bone and causes bone fragments to move out of their original position, typically resulting from trauma such as a fall on an outstretched hand, and is further classified into type IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC based on the Gustilo classification system, indicating increasing degrees of injury that may involve radial head dislocation, extensive soft tissue damage, three or more fragments, stripping of the periosteum, and damage to nearby nerves and vessels due to high energy trauma, and this code is used for subsequent encounters for open fractures where the broken bones penetrate the skin, involve multiple fracture fragments with extensive soft tissue damage due to high energy type injury, and result in incomplete union or abnormal alignment of the bone.

Official Description Of S52.322R

The ICD 10 CM book defines ICD 10 code S52.322R as:

Clinical Information

The diagnosis describes by ICD-10-CM S52.322R code pertains to a displaced transverse fracture of the shaft of the left radius. This injury can be extremely painful and can cause swelling, warmth, bruising, or redness in the affected area. The patient may experience difficulty moving their arm and may notice bleeding in the event of an open fracture. Additionally, nerve damage can lead to numbness or tingling sensations.

To diagnose this condition, providers will typically rely on a combination of the patient’s medical history and a physical examination. They may also use imaging techniques such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or computed tomography (CT) scans to obtain a better view of the injury and assess the extent of the fracture.

Treatment options for this diagnosis will vary depending on the severity of the injury. Stable and closed fractures may not require surgery and can be treated with non-invasive methods such as ice packs, splints, or casts to immobilize the limb. Exercises may be used to help improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion in the arm. Medications, such as analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can help manage pain levels and reduce inflammation.

However, unstable fractures may require surgical intervention to fixate the bone in place. In some cases, open fractures may also require surgery to close the wound and prevent the risk of infection. Other underlying secondary injuries may also require additional treatment.

Recovery time for this diagnosis can vary. Generally, mild to moderate injuries will take several weeks to heal, while more severe injuries may require months of rehabilitation and physical therapy. Patients should avoid putting any excessive strain on the affected arm during recovery and follow their doctor’s instructions closely to avoid any complications.

In conclusion, the S52.322R diagnosis code refers to a serious injury requiring prompt medical attention. Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment can help patients make a faster and more complete recovery from this injury. Medical coders play an important role in accurately identifying this diagnosis and ensuring that the correct treatment codes are applied to the patient’s medical records.