Fatigue fracture of vertebra, sacr/sacrocygl region, sqla

This code signifies a stress fracture of a vertebra in the sacral or sacrococcygeal region that developed due to repetitive stress rather than acute trauma. It specifically indicates that this fatigue fracture is a long-term consequence or late effect of a previously sustained fracture in the same area.

Use this code when documentation clearly states a fatigue fracture of the sacrum or coccyx, and explicitly links it as a sequela of an earlier, distinct fracture. This typically applies to chronic conditions where the initial fracture has healed, but its residual effects (e.g., altered biomechanics, weakened bone) led to a subsequent stress fracture. Supporting documentation should include a history of a prior fracture and current imaging/clinical findings consistent with a fatigue fracture.

• Ensure documentation specifies "fatigue fracture" or "stress fracture" and explicitly links it as a "sequela" or "late effect" of a previous fracture.
• Do not use for acute traumatic fractures or nonunion/malunion of a prior fracture, which have different code assignments.
• This code requires an additional code to identify the underlying cause of the initial fracture, if known and relevant to the current encounter.