Find information on proximal humerus fracture diagnosis, including ICD-10 codes (S42.2), clinical documentation improvement tips, healthcare provider resources, and medical coding guidelines. Learn about Neer classification, AO classification, and anatomical neck, surgical neck, greater and lesser tuberosity fractures. Explore treatment options, rehabilitation protocols, and post-operative care for proximal humeral fractures.
Also known as
Fracture of surgical neck of humerus
Fracture at the proximal end of humerus, below the anatomical neck.
Fracture of greater tuberosity of humerus
Fracture of bony prominence on the upper outer part of humerus.
Fracture of lesser tuberosity of humerus
Fracture of bony prominence on the upper front part of humerus.
Fracture of upper end of humerus, unspecified
Unspecified fracture of the proximal humerus without further details.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the fracture closed?
Yes
Displaced?
No
Displaced?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Proximal Humerus Fracture |
Humeral Shaft Fracture |
Shoulder Dislocation |
Missing or unclear documentation of right or left humerus affects code selection (e.g., S42.201A vs S42.202A), impacting reimbursement and data accuracy.
Insufficient documentation of fracture type (e.g., displaced, comminuted) leads to generic coding (S42.2), hindering accurate severity reflection and quality metrics.
Failure to capture associated injuries (e.g., rotator cuff tear, nerve damage) with distinct codes undercodes case complexity, impacting MS-DRG assignment and resource allocation.
Patient presents with right proximal humerus fracture. Onset of symptoms occurred on [Date of onset] following a [Mechanism of injury - e.g., fall onto outstretched hand, direct blow]. Patient reports [Character of pain - e.g., sharp, throbbing] pain in the right shoulder and upper arm, exacerbated by movement. Associated symptoms include [List associated symptoms - e.g., swelling, bruising, limited range of motion, crepitus]. Physical examination reveals [Objective findings - e.g., tenderness to palpation over the proximal humerus, ecchymosis, deformity, decreased active and passive range of motion of the right shoulder]. Neurovascular status of the right upper extremity is intact, with palpable radial pulse and normal sensation. Radiographic imaging of the right shoulder, including [Specify views - e.g., AP, lateral, and Y views], confirms a proximal humerus fracture. The fracture is classified as a [Neer classification] with [Describe fracture displacement and involvement of greater and lesser tuberosities, articular surface]. Differential diagnosis includes shoulder dislocation, rotator cuff tear, and contusion. Treatment plan includes [Specify treatment plan - e.g., closed reduction, immobilization with a sling and swathe, pain management with analgesics, referral to orthopedics for surgical evaluation if indicated]. Patient education provided on pain management, activity modification, and follow-up care. Follow-up appointment scheduled in [Duration] to assess healing progress and adjust treatment plan as needed. ICD-10 code S42.2 assigned for closed fracture of upper end of humerus. CPT codes for evaluation and management, radiographic imaging, and procedures will be documented separately based on services rendered.