Fatigue fracture of vertebra, cervicothoracic region, sqla

This code describes a stress fracture of a vertebral body located in the cervicothoracic junction (C7-T1 region) that is a long-term complication or residual effect of a previously sustained fracture. This type of fracture typically results from repetitive stress rather than a single traumatic event, and the "sequela" designation indicates that the current fatigue fracture is a direct consequence of an earlier, resolved vertebral fracture.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a fatigue fracture in the cervicothoracic spine, and the physician explicitly links this current fracture to a prior vertebral fracture as a sequela. This typically applies to patients presenting with chronic pain or new onset pain in the cervicothoracic region, where imaging confirms a fatigue fracture and the patient's history includes a previous vertebral fracture in the same general area. Documentation should specify the cervicothoracic location and the sequela relationship.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "fatigue fracture" and specifies the "cervicothoracic region."
• The "S" seventh character indicates sequela; do not use for acute or initial encounters for the fatigue fracture itself.
• Distinguish from pathological fractures (M84.4-) or other types of vertebral fractures not explicitly linked as a sequela of a prior fracture.