Displ commnt fx shaft of ulna, l arm, 7thJ

Displaced comminuted fracture of shaft of ulna, left arm, subsequent encounter for open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC with delayed healing

📋Clinical Description

This code describes a left ulnar shaft fracture that is broken into multiple pieces (comminuted) and is out of alignment (displaced). This specific code is used when the patient is receiving follow-up care for an open fracture (where the bone broke through the skin) of a severe nature (Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) and the healing process is taking longer than expected.

🎯When to Use

Use this code for subsequent encounters when a patient with a previously diagnosed displaced, comminuted open fracture of the left ulnar shaft (Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) is being treated for delayed healing. This would apply during follow-up appointments, cast changes, or wound care related to the delayed union of the fracture.

💡Coding Tips

Ensure documentation clearly specifies "delayed healing" for this subsequent encounter.
Verify the fracture is explicitly described as displaced and comminuted, affecting the shaft of the ulna.
Confirm the original open fracture was classified as Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC.

AI-generated reference — verify against official guidelines

Code Hierarchy

▲S52.252Displaced comminuted fracture of shaft of ulna, left arm

S52.252J(current)

Crosswalks

V54.12ApproxICD-9

Same Category

S52Fracture of forearm S52.0Fracture of upper end of ulna S52.00Unspecified fracture of upper end of ulna S52.001Unspecified fracture of upper end of right ulna S52.001AUnsp fracture of upper end of right ulna, init for clos fx