Name of the Condition

• Common Name: Displaced Fracture of Neck of Right Radius
• Medical Term: S52.131A

Summary

A displaced fracture of the neck of the right radius is a type of arm injury where the bone near the elbow joint experiences a break and the bone fragments become misaligned. This is typically observed in a closed fracture scenario, meaning the skin around the fracture remains intact.

Causes

• Direct trauma or impact to the elbow or forearm, often from falls, sporting injuries, or accidents.
• Rotational or compressive forces exerted on the arm.

Risk Factors

• Engaging in high-impact sports like football or basketball.
• Occupational hazards that expose one to frequent falls or heavy lifting.
• Age, particularly adolescence and young adulthood, due to higher activity levels.
• Osteoporosis or other conditions that weaken bones.

Symptoms

• Intense pain around the elbow or forearm.
• Swelling and bruising.
• Inability to rotate or move the arm comfortably.
• Visible deformity in more severe cases.

Diagnosis

• Physical examination assesses range of motion and checks for tenderness.
• X-rays to visualize the fracture and assess displacement.
• MRI or CT scans in complex cases to further inspect bone and soft tissue damage.

Treatment Options

• Closed reduction: Manually realigning the bone fragments, often followed by casting or splinting.
• Immobilization using a cast or splint to keep the bone in place during healing.
• Pain management with medications like NSAIDs.
• Surgery, such as internal fixation, in cases where alignment cannot be maintained with casting alone.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• The majority of these fractures heal completely with proper treatment, although recovery times can vary.
• Physical therapy may be required to restore full function and strength.
• Regular follow-up visits are essential to ensure proper healing and address any complications early.

Complications

• If untreated, can lead to long-term stiffness and impaired range of motion.
• Potential nerve or blood vessel injury.
• Development of arthritis in the affected joint later in life.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Wearing protective gear during high-risk activities.
• Strengthening exercises for the arm and wrist to enhance bone health.
• Ensuring appropriate safety measures at work and home to prevent falls.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Seek immediate help if there is an inability to move the arm or if there is a noticeable deformity.
• Tingling, numbness, or blue tint in fingers may indicate urgent complications.

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS): aaos.org
• MedlinePlus on Forearm Fractures: medlineplus.gov
• Patient support groups can provide emotional and practical support during recovery.

Tips for Medical Coders

• Verify the anatomical location and ensure laterality is correctly identified (right radius).
• Confirm the nature of the encounter (initial encounter) and the status of the fracture (closed).
• Review medical records for any surgical interventions that may necessitate additional codes.