S50-S59: Injuries to the elbow and forearm

S51: Open wound of forearm

The group of conditions classified as open wounds of the forearm encompasses diverse severity and types of injury to the lower arm region, also including the wrist. This includes accidental injuries, such as those caused by sharp objects or during accidents, to deliberate harm like self-inflicted wounds or surgical incisions. The wound may only affect the skin or it could reach deeper tissues, including muscles, nerves, or blood vessels. Typically, such injuries present with visible signs such as bleeding, swelling of the area, exposure of deep tissues, pain, and possibly reduced motion or function of the hand, depending on the severity and depth of the affliction. Disease progression highly varies based on individual factors and the timeliness and appropriateness of treatment received. Without proper care and management, open wounds of the forearm could potentially lead to complications like infections, prolonged healing, permanent tissue damage, or even systemic issues, such as sepsis.