Learn about ulnar styloid fracture diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10, CPT), treatment, and recovery. Find information on distal radius fractures, ulnar variance, DRUJ instability, and associated injuries. Explore resources for healthcare professionals on proper documentation and coding for ulnar styloid fractures. Understand the clinical significance, radiographic findings, and management of this common wrist injury.
Also known as
Fracture of lower end of ulna
This code range covers fractures specifically at the lower end of the ulna, including the styloid process.
Fracture of forearm
This broader category includes all forearm fractures, encompassing ulna fractures but also radius and both-bone fractures.
Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes
This is a very general category for all injuries, including fractures, but less specific than S62.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the ulnar styloid fracture closed?
Yes
Is it displaced?
No
Is it displaced?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Ulnar styloid fracture |
Distal radius fracture |
TFC tear |
Missing or incorrect laterality (right, left, unspecified) for ulnar styloid fracture can lead to claim denials or inaccurate data reporting.
Coding a general fracture code when a more specific ulnar styloid fracture code is documented leads to underreporting severity and lost revenue.
Failing to code associated injuries like distal radius fractures or ligament tears with ulnar styloid fractures impacts reimbursement and quality metrics.
Patient presents with complaints of left wrist pain following a fall onto an outstretched hand. The patient reports localized tenderness and swelling over the ulnar aspect of the wrist. Mechanism of injury consistent with a fall on outstretched hand FOOSH. Physical examination reveals point tenderness over the ulnar styloid, ecchymosis, and mild edema. Range of motion is limited due to pain, particularly with ulnar deviation and wrist flexion. No crepitus is appreciated. Neurovascular exam of the hand is intact, with capillary refill less than 2 seconds and normal sensation in the median, ulnar, and radial nerve distributions. Radiographic imaging of the left wrist AP, lateral, and oblique views demonstrates a nondisplaced fracture of the ulnar styloid process. Diagnosis of ulnar styloid fracture confirmed. Differential diagnoses considered included wrist sprain, distal radius fracture, and triangular fibrocartilage complex TFCC injury. Treatment plan includes immobilization with a volar splint, ice, elevation, and pain management with NSAIDs. Patient education provided regarding activity modification and follow-up care. Referral to orthopedics for definitive management and potential casting. ICD-10 code S62.109A assigned for unspecified fracture of lower end of ulna, left side, initial encounter. Return to clinic scheduled in one week for reevaluation and splint adjustment.