ICD-10: S55.1

Injury of radial artery at forearm level

Additional Information

Description

The ICD-10 code S55.1 specifically refers to an injury of the radial artery at the forearm level. This code is part of the broader category of injuries to blood vessels located in the forearm, which is denoted by the code S55. Below is a detailed clinical description and relevant information regarding this specific injury.

Clinical Description

Definition

The radial artery is one of the two major arteries in the forearm, the other being the ulnar artery. It runs along the radial side (thumb side) of the forearm and is crucial for supplying blood to the hand and forearm. An injury to this artery can result from various causes, including trauma, lacerations, or fractures that disrupt the vascular integrity.

Mechanism of Injury

Injuries to the radial artery can occur due to:
- Lacerations: Sharp objects or blades can cut through the skin and underlying tissues, damaging the artery.
- Fractures: Bone fragments from a fractured radius can puncture or compress the artery.
- Blunt Trauma: Forceful impacts can lead to contusions or tears in the arterial wall.

Symptoms

Patients with an injury to the radial artery may present with:
- Pain: Localized pain at the site of injury.
- Swelling: Edema around the forearm area.
- Bruising: Ecchymosis may be visible due to bleeding under the skin.
- Pulsation Changes: Diminished or absent pulse in the radial artery, indicating compromised blood flow.
- Numbness or Tingling: Neurological symptoms may arise if surrounding nerves are affected.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves:
- Physical Examination: Assessing the injury site for signs of vascular compromise.
- Imaging Studies: Ultrasound or angiography may be used to visualize the blood flow and assess the extent of the injury.
- Doppler Studies: Non-invasive tests to evaluate blood flow in the radial artery.

Treatment

Management of a radial artery injury may include:
- Surgical Intervention: Repairing the artery through suturing or grafting if the injury is severe.
- Conservative Management: In cases of minor lacerations, conservative treatment may involve wound care and monitoring for complications.
- Rehabilitation: Post-surgical rehabilitation may be necessary to restore function and strength in the forearm and hand.

Coding and Billing

The ICD-10 code S55.1 is essential for accurate medical billing and coding, ensuring that healthcare providers are reimbursed for the treatment of this specific injury. It is crucial for documentation to reflect the nature and extent of the injury to support the use of this code.

  • S55.0: Injury of ulnar artery at forearm level.
  • S55.2: Injury of other specified blood vessels at forearm level.

Conclusion

In summary, the ICD-10 code S55.1 pertains to injuries of the radial artery at the forearm level, encompassing a range of traumatic events that can compromise vascular integrity. Proper diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent complications such as ischemia or loss of function in the affected limb. Accurate coding is essential for effective healthcare management and reimbursement processes.

Clinical Information

Injuries to the radial artery at the forearm level, classified under ICD-10 code S55.1, can present with a variety of clinical features and patient characteristics. Understanding these aspects is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management.

Clinical Presentation

Overview of Radial Artery Injury

The radial artery is a major blood vessel in the forearm that supplies blood to the hand and forearm muscles. An injury to this artery can result from trauma, such as fractures, lacerations, or penetrating injuries. The clinical presentation often depends on the severity and nature of the injury.

Signs and Symptoms

Patients with an injury to the radial artery may exhibit the following signs and symptoms:

  • Pain: Localized pain at the site of injury is common. The intensity can vary based on the extent of the injury.
  • Swelling: Edema may occur around the injury site due to inflammation or bleeding.
  • Bruising: Ecchymosis may be visible, indicating bleeding under the skin.
  • Pulsation Changes: A diminished or absent pulse in the radial artery can indicate significant vascular compromise.
  • Skin Changes: The skin may appear pale or cool to the touch, suggesting reduced blood flow.
  • Motor and Sensory Deficits: Depending on the injury's severity, patients may experience weakness or numbness in the hand or fingers, particularly affecting the radial nerve distribution.

Complications

Complications from radial artery injuries can include:

  • Ischemia: Prolonged injury can lead to tissue necrosis due to inadequate blood supply.
  • Thrombosis: Formation of a blood clot can occur, further obstructing blood flow.
  • Infection: Open injuries may become infected, leading to more severe complications.

Patient Characteristics

Demographics

  • Age: Radial artery injuries can occur in individuals of all ages, but they are more common in younger adults due to higher activity levels and risk of trauma.
  • Gender: Males are often more affected due to higher engagement in risk-prone activities, such as sports or manual labor.

Risk Factors

  • Trauma History: Patients with a history of trauma, such as falls, sports injuries, or accidents, are at higher risk for radial artery injuries.
  • Underlying Conditions: Conditions that affect vascular health, such as diabetes or peripheral vascular disease, may complicate the injury and its healing process.

Clinical Context

  • Mechanism of Injury: Understanding the mechanism (e.g., blunt trauma, penetrating injury) is essential for assessing the injury's severity and potential complications.
  • Associated Injuries: Often, radial artery injuries occur alongside fractures of the forearm bones (radius and ulna) or other soft tissue injuries, which can influence treatment decisions.

Conclusion

Injuries to the radial artery at the forearm level, classified under ICD-10 code S55.1, present with a range of clinical signs and symptoms, including pain, swelling, and potential vascular compromise. Patient characteristics such as age, gender, and trauma history play a significant role in the injury's presentation and management. Prompt recognition and treatment are essential to prevent complications and ensure optimal recovery.

Approximate Synonyms

The ICD-10 code S55.1 specifically refers to injuries of the radial artery at the forearm level. Understanding alternative names and related terms for this code can be beneficial for medical professionals, coders, and researchers. Below is a detailed overview of the alternative names and related terms associated with S55.1.

Alternative Names for S55.1

  1. Radial Artery Injury: This term directly describes the injury to the radial artery, which is a major blood vessel in the forearm.
  2. Radial Artery Laceration: This term is often used when the injury involves a cut or tear in the radial artery.
  3. Radial Artery Trauma: A broader term that encompasses various types of injuries to the radial artery, including lacerations, contusions, and other forms of trauma.
  4. Forearm Radial Artery Injury: This term specifies the location of the injury, indicating that it occurs in the forearm region.
  1. ICD-10 Code S55: This is the broader category under which S55.1 falls, encompassing all injuries to blood vessels at the forearm level.
  2. Laceration of Radial Artery: A more specific term that may be used in clinical documentation to describe the nature of the injury.
  3. Unspecified Injury of Radial Artery: This term may refer to cases where the specific nature of the injury is not detailed, often coded as S55.119.
  4. Vascular Injury: A general term that includes injuries to any blood vessels, including arteries and veins, which may be relevant in the context of radial artery injuries.
  5. Non-Invasive Vascular Studies: While not directly related to the injury itself, this term refers to diagnostic procedures that may be used to assess vascular injuries, including those of the radial artery.

Clinical Context

In clinical practice, the precise coding of injuries like those represented by S55.1 is crucial for accurate medical billing, treatment planning, and epidemiological studies. Understanding the alternative names and related terms can aid in effective communication among healthcare providers and ensure proper documentation in medical records.

Conclusion

The ICD-10 code S55.1 for injury of the radial artery at the forearm level is associated with various alternative names and related terms that enhance clarity in medical documentation and coding. Familiarity with these terms is essential for healthcare professionals involved in patient care, coding, and billing processes.

Diagnostic Criteria

The ICD-10 code S55.1 refers specifically to an injury of the radial artery at the forearm level. To accurately diagnose this condition, healthcare professionals typically follow a set of criteria that includes clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and consideration of the patient's medical history. Below are the key criteria used for diagnosis:

Clinical Evaluation

  1. Patient History:
    - A thorough medical history is essential, focusing on the circumstances of the injury (e.g., trauma, fall, or surgical intervention) and any previous vascular issues.
    - Symptoms such as pain, swelling, or bruising in the forearm should be documented.

  2. Physical Examination:
    - The clinician will assess the forearm for signs of injury, including tenderness, deformity, and the presence of any open wounds.
    - Evaluation of pulse and capillary refill time in the wrist and hand is crucial to determine blood flow adequacy.

Imaging Studies

  1. Ultrasound:
    - Doppler ultrasound can be utilized to assess blood flow in the radial artery and identify any occlusions or abnormalities.

  2. Angiography:
    - In cases where vascular injury is suspected, angiography may be performed to visualize the arterial structure and blood flow.

  3. X-rays:
    - X-rays of the forearm may be necessary to rule out associated fractures or bone injuries that could impact the radial artery.

Diagnostic Criteria

  1. ICD-10 Guidelines:
    - The diagnosis must align with the ICD-10 guidelines, which specify that the injury is localized to the radial artery at the forearm level. This includes differentiating it from injuries to other arteries or parts of the arm.

  2. Severity Assessment:
    - The severity of the injury may be classified based on the extent of damage to the artery, which can range from contusion to complete transection.

  3. Associated Injuries:
    - It is important to evaluate for any associated injuries, such as nerve damage or fractures, which may complicate the clinical picture.

Conclusion

In summary, diagnosing an injury of the radial artery at the forearm level (ICD-10 code S55.1) involves a comprehensive approach that includes patient history, physical examination, and appropriate imaging studies. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for determining the appropriate treatment plan and ensuring optimal recovery for the patient. If you have further questions or need more specific information, feel free to ask!

Treatment Guidelines

Injuries to the radial artery at the forearm level, classified under ICD-10 code S55.1, can result from various causes, including trauma, fractures, or penetrating injuries. The management of such injuries typically involves a combination of immediate care, surgical intervention, and rehabilitation. Below is a detailed overview of standard treatment approaches for this specific injury.

Initial Assessment and Immediate Care

1. Clinical Evaluation

  • History and Physical Examination: A thorough assessment is crucial to determine the mechanism of injury, the presence of associated injuries, and the patient's vascular status. This includes checking for pulse, capillary refill, and any signs of ischemia in the hand and fingers[1].
  • Imaging Studies: X-rays may be performed to assess for fractures or dislocations that could compromise the radial artery. In some cases, Doppler ultrasound or CT angiography may be utilized to evaluate blood flow and the extent of the injury[2].

2. Wound Management

  • Control of Hemorrhage: If there is active bleeding, direct pressure should be applied to control it. In severe cases, a tourniquet may be necessary until surgical intervention can be performed[3].
  • Debridement: If the injury involves an open wound, thorough cleaning and debridement are essential to prevent infection and promote healing[4].

Surgical Intervention

1. Repair of the Radial Artery

  • Primary Repair: If the injury is a laceration, the radial artery may be directly sutured. This is the preferred method if the ends of the artery are healthy and can be approximated without tension[5].
  • Vascular Grafting: In cases where the artery is significantly damaged or if there is a large gap, a graft may be necessary. This can involve using a segment of the patient's own vein or a synthetic graft[6].

2. Management of Associated Injuries

  • Fracture Stabilization: If there are associated fractures, they may need to be stabilized through internal fixation or casting, depending on the fracture type and location[7].
  • Nerve Repair: If there is concomitant nerve injury, such as to the median or ulnar nerves, surgical repair may also be indicated[8].

Postoperative Care and Rehabilitation

1. Monitoring and Follow-Up

  • Vascular Assessment: Postoperatively, it is crucial to monitor the vascular status of the hand and fingers to ensure adequate blood flow. This may involve regular checks of pulse and capillary refill[9].
  • Infection Prevention: Antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection, especially in cases of open wounds or surgical repair[10].

2. Rehabilitation

  • Physical Therapy: Once the initial healing has occurred, physical therapy may be initiated to restore range of motion, strength, and function. This is particularly important to prevent stiffness and promote recovery of hand function[11].
  • Gradual Return to Activities: Patients are typically advised to gradually return to normal activities, avoiding heavy lifting or strenuous use of the affected arm until cleared by their healthcare provider[12].

Conclusion

The treatment of radial artery injuries at the forearm level requires a comprehensive approach that includes immediate care, surgical intervention, and rehabilitation. Early assessment and intervention are critical to prevent complications such as ischemia or permanent functional impairment. Following surgical repair, a structured rehabilitation program is essential to ensure optimal recovery and return to daily activities. Regular follow-up with healthcare providers will help monitor healing and address any complications that may arise.

For further information or specific case management, consulting with a vascular surgeon or orthopedic specialist is recommended.

Related Information

Description

Clinical Information

  • Localized pain at the injury site
  • Edema around the injury due to inflammation
  • Ecchymosis visible indicating bleeding
  • Diminished or absent radial artery pulse
  • Pale or cool skin to the touch
  • Motor and sensory deficits in hand and fingers
  • Ischemia leading to tissue necrosis if prolonged
  • Thrombosis forming blood clots obstructing flow
  • Infection possible with open injuries

Approximate Synonyms

  • Radial Artery Injury
  • Radial Artery Laceration
  • Radial Artery Trauma
  • Forearm Radial Artery Injury
  • Laceration of Radial Artery
  • Unspecified Injury of Radial Artery
  • Vascular Injury

Diagnostic Criteria

  • Thorough medical history is essential
  • Assess forearm for signs of injury
  • Evaluate pulse and capillary refill time
  • Use Doppler ultrasound for blood flow assessment
  • Perform angiography in suspected vascular injury
  • X-rays to rule out associated fractures or bone injuries

Treatment Guidelines

  • Immediate control of hemorrhage
  • Thorough history and physical examination
  • Imaging studies for fracture assessment
  • Wound debridement for open wounds
  • Primary repair of radial artery
  • Vascular grafting for damaged arteries
  • Fracture stabilization with internal fixation
  • Nerve repair for concomitant nerve injury
  • Postoperative vascular assessment and monitoring
  • Infection prevention with antibiotics
  • Gradual return to normal activities
  • Structured physical therapy for rehabilitation

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It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with questions about your medical condition.