Stress fracture, left radius, sequela

This code signifies a stress fracture of the left radius where the acute phase of the injury has passed, and the patient is now experiencing a residual effect or complication from the original fracture. This could include ongoing pain, deformity, limited range of motion, or nonunion/malunion as a direct consequence of the stress fracture.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a patient is presenting for treatment of a long-term complication or residual condition directly attributable to a previously healed or resolving stress fracture of the left radius. Supporting documentation should specify the nature of the sequela (e.g., chronic pain, functional impairment) and its link to the prior stress fracture.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states the condition is a "sequela" or a "late effect" of the stress fracture.
• Do not use this code for an acute stress fracture; refer to the appropriate M84.33- codes for active fractures.
• Always sequence the sequela code first, followed by any additional codes describing the specific manifestation of the sequela (e.g., chronic pain, malunion).