Name of the Condition

• Other Extraarticular Fracture of Lower End of Left Radius, Initial Encounter for Closed Fracture
• ICD-10 Code: S52.552A

Summary

• This condition involves a fracture located at the lower end of the left radius bone, near the wrist. An "extraarticular" fracture means it does not extend into the joint, while "closed" signifies that the skin around the fracture remains intact.

Causes

• Most commonly caused by trauma, such as falls, direct blows to the wrist, or accidents during physical activities. Osteoporosis or weakened bones may also contribute to the occurrence of fractures.

Risk Factors

• Increased age, especially in older adults.
• Participation in contact sports or high-risk physical activities.
• Having a history of osteoporosis or previous fractures.

Symptoms

• Pain, swelling, and tenderness around the wrist area.
• Bruising and limited range of motion.
• Sometimes, visible deformity of the wrist.

Diagnosis

• Physical examination to assess pain, tenderness, and functional impairment.
• Imaging tests, primarily X-rays, to confirm the location and severity of the fracture.

Treatment Options

• Immobilization with a cast or splint to allow healing.
• Pain management with prescribed medications.
• In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to realign and stabilize the bones using plates, screws, or pins.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Most patients recover fully with proper treatment and rehabilitation.
• Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to ensure proper healing and prevent complications such as improper bone alignment.

Complications

• If untreated, it could lead to chronic pain, reduced wrist function, or permanent deformity.
• There is also a risk of developing arthritis in the future.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Maintain bone health through a diet rich in calcium and vitamin D, and regular weight-bearing exercises.
• Use protective gear during high-risk activities.
• Make home environments safer to prevent falls, particularly for the elderly.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Immediate medical attention is required if there is severe wrist pain, deformity, inability to hold objects, or signs of circulation problems like numbness or pale skin color.

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS): orthoinfo.aaos.org
• National Osteoporosis Foundation: nof.org

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure correct laterality by correctly identifying the left radius in the documentation.
• Confirm the fracture type as "extraarticular" and the encounter as "initial" for accurate coding.
• Avoid coding errors by double-checking that the fracture is closed, not open or compound.