Wrist and Distal Radius Fracture ICD-10-CM codes

A distal radius fracture is coded to subcategory S52.5-. S52.50- is the unspecified lower end of radius fracture and is where the index sends a fracture described only as distal radius (S52.501A right, S52.502A left, S52.509A unspecified side). Named patterns have their own subcategories: S52.51- radial styloid process, S52.52- torus (buckle) fracture, typically pediatric, S52.53- Colles fracture (dorsal displacement), S52.54- Smith fracture (volar displacement), S52.55- other extraarticular, S52.56- Barton fracture, S52.57- other intraarticular, and S52.59- other. The sixth character reports laterality and, in most subcategories, displacement.

S52 uses the expanded seventh character set with the Gustilo classification: A closed initial, B open type I or II, C open type IIIA to IIIC, D through R subsequent by healing and open or closed status, S sequela. A fracture not stated to be open is coded closed, and one not stated to be nondisplaced is coded displaced. Closed reduction and casting in the emergency department is an A encounter; the cast check two weeks later is D.

An associated fracture of the distal ulna or ulnar styloid is coded separately with S52.6- (S52.601A). Wrist fractures of the carpal bones, such as the scaphoid, are in S62 (S62.001A unspecified scaphoid fracture, right wrist), not S52.5. A fall on an outstretched hand is reported with an external cause code (W01.0XXA, W19.XXXA) and a place of occurrence code on the initial encounter.