ICD 10 CM S52.539N | Description & Clinical Information

ICD 10 S52.539N describes a specific type of fracture known as Colles’ fracture, which occurs in the lower part of the radius, the larger of the two forearm bones, and is characterized by the broken part of the radius tilting upward, typically caused by sudden or blunt trauma, such as a motor vehicle accident, sports activities, or falling on an outstretched extended arm; furthermore, the Gustilo classification system is used to indicate the severity of the fracture, with type IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC fractures indicating increasing degrees of injury, including radial head dislocation, extensive soft tissue damage, three or more fragments, stripping of the periosteum, the outer covering of bone, and damage to nearby nerves and vessels due to high energy trauma, and finally, the provider’s documentation does not specify whether the injury involves the left or right radius at this subsequent encounter for an open fracture exposed through a tear or laceration of the skin caused by displaced fracture fragments or external injury that fails to unite.

Official Description Of S52.539N

The ICD 10 CM book defines ICD 10 code S52.539N as:

When To Use S52.539N

The diagnosis describes by ICD 10 CM S52.539N pertains to a Colles fracture of an unspecified radius. This type of injury results when the bone that is located in the forearm, just above the wrist, breaks. Colles fractures are generally caused by a fall onto an outstretched hand with an extended wrist and typically result in pain at the affected site. Swelling, bruising, tenderness, deformity, diminished grip strength, and difficulty in grasping, holding, or lifting objects are also common symptoms of this type of injury.

Aside from these symptoms, patients with Colles fractures can also experience numbness and tingling at the affected site due to injury to blood vessels and nerves. Providers usually diagnose this condition based on the patient’s history and physical examination, along with imaging techniques such as X-rays, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and bone scans. These diagnostic methods show the extent and severity of the fracture, which helps providers determine the most effective treatment options.

In cases of stable and closed fractures, surgery is rarely necessary. Instead, these fractures can be treated with immobilization such as splinting, casting the arm, or a sling. Applying ice to the affected area and exercise to increase flexibility, strength, and range of motion of the arm are also helpful in promoting healing.

However, unstable fractures require more aggressive treatment, such as fixation. In this method, the position of the broken bone fragments is realigned by surgical means, and then they are held together with the help of screws, metal plates, or rods, and sometimes pins. Fixation is done to stabilize the fracture so that it can heal properly. Open fractures, where the bone is visible through the skin, require more invasive surgery since the wound needs to be closed to prevent infection.

In addition to immobilization and surgical options, patients with Colles fractures also need medication to manage pain. Analgesics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the most commonly used medications for pain management. Moreover, the treatment of secondary injuries should also be taken into account, depending on the patient’s overall condition.

In conclusion, Colles fractures are painful and potentially debilitating injuries that require proper treatment to promote proper healing. Patients who experience any of the symptoms associated with this type of injury should be evaluated by a healthcare provider immediately to avoid further progression of the condition. With prompt diagnosis and treatment, individuals can resume their normal activities within a reasonable timeframe.