Oth physeal fracture of upper end of radius, unsp arm, init

This code identifies a fracture affecting the growth plate (physis) at the top portion of the radius bone, near the elbow. It specifies that the fracture is not further detailed regarding its type and is located in an unspecified arm. This is the initial encounter for a fracture where the skin remains intact.

This code is appropriate for documenting the initial treatment of a pediatric or adolescent patient presenting with a closed fracture of the proximal radial physis when the specific Salter-Harris classification or other detailed fracture type is not documented. It is used when the laterality (left or right arm) is not specified in the medical record.

• Ensure documentation confirms a physeal fracture of the proximal radius and that the encounter is the first for this injury.
• Verify that the fracture is indeed closed; if open, a different code would be required.
• If the laterality (left or right arm) is documented, a more specific code should be chosen.