Unsp fx low end l ulna, 7thJ

Unspecified fracture of lower end of left ulna, subsequent encounter for open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC with delayed healing

📋Clinical Description

This code signifies an unspecific fracture affecting the lower portion of the left ulna, which was initially an open fracture classified as type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC. The current encounter is for ongoing management due to the fracture exhibiting delayed healing. This indicates the fracture is not progressing to union at the expected rate.

🎯When to Use

Use this code when a patient presents for follow-up care of a previously diagnosed open fracture of the distal left ulna, and the physician documents that healing is not occurring within the normal timeframe. This applies to situations where the initial injury involved significant soft tissue damage and bone exposure, and the healing process is now prolonged.

💡Coding Tips

Ensure documentation clearly specifies "delayed healing" for this subsequent encounter.
Verify the initial fracture was indeed an open fracture of type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC.
Do not use for initial encounters or for fractures that are healing normally.

AI-generated reference — verify against official guidelines

Code Hierarchy

▲S52.602Unspecified fracture of lower end of left ulna

S52.602J(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