Injury to radial blood vessels

This code signifies traumatic damage to the radial artery or vein, or both, typically resulting from an external force. Such injuries can range from contusions and lacerations to complete transections, potentially leading to hemorrhage, ischemia, or thrombosis.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states an injury to the radial blood vessels, such as a radial artery laceration from a penetrating wound or a radial vein thrombosis secondary to trauma. Supporting documentation should clearly identify the radial vessel(s) involved and the traumatic etiology.

• Differentiate between injury to the radial blood vessels and injury to the radial nerve; these are distinct entities.
• Always code the underlying cause of the injury (e.g., open wound, fracture) in addition to the blood vessel injury.
• Consider additional codes for associated complications like hemorrhage, hematoma, or infection.