S42.296G Other nondisplaced fracture of upper end of unspecified humerus, subsequent encounter for fracture with delayed healing

ICD-10-CM Code S42.296G: Other nondisplaced fracture of upper end of unspecified humerus, subsequent encounter for fracture with delayed healing

ICD-10-CM code S42.296G represents an other nondisplaced fracture of the upper end of an unspecified humerus during a subsequent encounter for fracture with delayed healing. The humerus is the only bone in the upper arm, and proximal fractures occur near the shoulder. This specific diagnosis code distinguishes the delayed healing phase from routine healing or nonunion. 1 3 6

Plain-language overview

A humerus fracture is the medical name for breaking the only bone in your upper arm, and a proximal humerus fracture involves a break near the top end that connects to the shoulder. [S3] 3

What this code represents

The official label for S42.296G is Other nondisplaced fracture of upper end of unspecified humerus, subsequent encounter for fracture with delayed healing. [S1, S2] 1 2

Coding details

Within the ICD-10-CM code tree, S42.296G is grouped with other specific humerus fracture codes that possess different seventh characters to indicate routine healing, delayed healing, malunion, or nonunion. [S6] 6

The code S42.296G specifies an unspecified humerus, which contrasts with other listed codes in the same category that explicitly identify the right or left humerus. [S6] 6

Documentation considerations

Clinical literature notes that bone grafting might be necessary for a humerus fracture if the bone is severely displaced or if it is not healing back together as well as it should. [S3] 3

Clinical context

If a humerus fracture is nondisplaced, meaning the bone fragments have not been jostled out of position, chances are that it can be effectively treated without surgery using physical therapy. [S5] 5

Recovery time for a humerus fracture can vary based on the severity of the break and overall health, with the initial healing phase generally taking about six to eight weeks. [S5] 5

What the sources add

While the official terminology defines the specific encounter and healing status, clinical references explain that humerus fractures are usually caused by traumas like car accidents or falls. [S1, S3] 1 3

The coding source provides a structural comparison of subsequent encounter codes, showing that S42.296G for delayed healing is distinct from S42.296D for routine healing and S42.296K for nonunion. [S6] 6

Sources

1. EVS Explore — evsexplore.semantics.cancer.gov; accessed 2026-07-25.
2. EVS Explore — evsexplore.semantics.cancer.gov; accessed 2026-07-25.
3. Humerus Fracture: Types, Symptoms & Treatment — my.clevelandclinic.org; accessed 2026-07-25.
4. Proximal Humerus Fractures Treatment & Management — emedicine.medscape.com; accessed 2026-07-25.
5. How To Heal A Humerus Fracture Without Surgery | The Jackson Clinics — thejacksonclinics.com; accessed 2026-07-25.
6. ICD-10-CM 2024 | S42.2 - Fracture of upper end of humerus — unboundmedicine.com; accessed 2026-07-25.