Name of the Condition

• Displaced comminuted fracture of shaft of ulna, right arm, initial encounter for closed fracture
• Common Name: Ulna shaft fracture, Comminuted ulna fracture

Summary

A displaced comminuted fracture of the ulna shaft refers to a break in the long bone of the forearm (ulna) characterized by the bone splintering into multiple pieces and shifting from its normal position. This specific condition affects the right arm and is classified as a closed fracture, indicating that the overlying skin remains intact.

Causes

• Trauma or high-impact injury such as a fall, accident, or sports injury.
• Direct force applied to the forearm.

Risk Factors

• Participation in high-impact sports or activities.
• Osteoporosis or bone-weakening conditions.
• Advanced age increasing susceptibility to fractures.
• Poor safety measures during physical activities.

Symptoms

• Severe pain in the forearm.
• Visible deformity or abnormal positioning of the arm.
• Swelling or bruising around the affected area.
• Limited ability to move the arm.

Diagnosis

• Physical examination by an orthopedic specialist.
• Imaging tests such as X-rays to assess the fracture type and displacement.
• CT scans may be used for detailed bone assessment.

Treatment Options

• Immobilization: Use of casts or splints to keep the bone in place for healing.
• Surgical Intervention: May involve internal fixation with plates, screws, or rods if the fracture is severely displaced or comminuted.
• Pain Management: Medications to alleviate discomfort.
• Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation exercises to restore movement and strength post-immobilization or surgery.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Generally favorable with appropriate treatment; most fractures heal within several weeks to months.
• Regular follow-up visits are critical to monitor bone healing through imaging and clinical evaluation.
• Rehabilitation plays a key role in achieving full functional recovery.

Complications

• Malunion or improper healing of the fracture.
• Reduced range of motion or persistent stiffness in the forearm.
• Risk of re-fracture if returning to high-impact activities too soon.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Engage in weight-bearing exercises to strengthen bones.
• Use protective gear during sports or risky activities.
• Avoid high-risk activities if diagnosed with bone-weakening conditions.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Immediate medical attention is needed for severe arm pain following trauma.
• Inability to move the arm or presence of visible deformity warrants urgent care.

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) orthoinfo.org
• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS) niams.nih.gov

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure specificity in coding by noting the fracture's location (ulna shaft), side (right arm), and nature (displaced, comminuted, closed).
• Avoid errors by confirming the encounter type as initial and that it's a closed fracture, coded as S52.251A.