Pathological fracture, unspecified hand, sequela

This code signifies a pathological fracture of an unspecified hand bone that has resulted in a long-term complication or condition. A pathological fracture occurs due to a disease process weakening the bone, rather than from trauma. The "sequela" designation indicates that the acute phase of the fracture has passed, and the patient is now experiencing residual effects.

Use this code when documenting a patient presenting with a current problem or condition that is a direct consequence of a previously sustained pathological fracture of the hand. This applies when the original fracture has healed, but the patient is experiencing ongoing issues such as chronic pain, deformity, nonunion, malunion, or functional impairment directly attributable to the past fracture. Documentation should clearly link the current condition to the prior pathological hand fracture.

• Ensure documentation specifies "pathological fracture" and not a traumatic fracture.
• Confirm the "sequela" status; if the fracture is still acute or in the healing phase, a different code from the M84.4- category would be appropriate.
• Always sequence this code after the code describing the specific sequela (e.g., chronic pain, nonunion, malunion).