S62.521K Displaced fracture of distal phalanx of right thumb, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion

ICD-10-CM Code S62.521K: Displaced fracture of distal phalanx of right thumb, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion

ICD-10-CM code S62.521K corresponds to a displaced fracture of the distal phalanx of the right thumb, specifically for a subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion. Clinical literature notes that distal phalanx fractures are vulnerable traumatic hand injuries often linked to soft-tissue and nail-bed damage. The provided sources establish the exact code description and clinical context for these specific fractures. 1 3 4

What this code represents

The diagnosis code S62.521K is titled "Displaced fracture of distal phalanx of right thumb, subsequent encounter for fracture with nonunion" in the ICD-10-CM system. 3 4

Coding details

The code S62.521K is listed alongside other specific encounter variations for the same injury, including S62.521D for routine healing and S62.521G for delayed healing. 3 4

The coding system distinguishes fractures of the right thumb from the left thumb, as shown by the adjacent listing of S62.522K for a displaced fracture of the distal phalanx of the left thumb. 3 4

Plain-language overview

Fingertip injuries involving the distal phalanx are traumatic conditions affecting the hand, and this anatomical area is vulnerable due to its exposed position and minimal soft-tissue coverage. 1

Clinical context

Tuft fractures of the distal phalanx are frequently associated with soft-tissue and nail-bed injuries, and displaced distal phalanx shaft fractures with bleeding under the nail indicate a nail bed injury and an open fracture. 1 2

While closed and nondisplaced distal phalanx fractures generally respond well to conservative treatment, the optimal management of open or displaced tuft fractures remains controversial. 1

What the sources add

The clinical literature from PMC focuses on the management and associated soft-tissue injuries of distal phalanx fractures, whereas the coding sources from Unbound Medicine and drchrono provide the exact alphanumeric code designations. 1 2 3 4

Documentation considerations

The clinical literature explicitly excludes chronic fractures older than three weeks or established nonunion from its study population, contrasting with the S62.521K code which is designated for a subsequent encounter for nonunion. 1 3

Sources

1. Open Distal Phalanx Tuft Fractures in Fingertip Injuries: A Retrospective Cohort Study Comparing Kirschner Wire Fixation Versus Conservative Management — pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; accessed 2026-07-25.
2. Management of Pediatric Hand Injuries in the Acute Setting Part 2: Fractures and Dislocations — pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; accessed 2026-07-25.
3. ICD-10-CM 2024 | S62.5 - Fracture of thumb — unboundmedicine.com; accessed 2026-07-25.
4. Medical Billing Code Search — app.drchrono.com; accessed 2026-07-25.