Stress fracture, unspecified foot, sequela

This code signifies a long-term consequence or late effect of a stress fracture that previously occurred in an unspecified foot. It indicates that the patient is experiencing residual symptoms or complications directly attributable to the healed or resolving stress fracture, rather than an acute injury.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a patient is presenting with ongoing issues (e.g., chronic pain, deformity, functional limitation) stemming from a past stress fracture of an unspecified foot. This code is appropriate after the initial healing phase of the fracture has passed and the patient is no longer in active treatment for the acute injury.

• Always sequence this sequela code after the primary diagnosis describing the current manifestation (e.g., chronic pain).
• Ensure documentation specifies "sequela" or "late effect" and links the current condition to a prior stress fracture.
• Avoid using this code for acute or active stress fractures; those require codes from the M84.37- series without the "S" seventh character.