Pathological fracture, left femur, sequela

This code signifies a pathological fracture of the left femur where the fracture itself is no longer acute, but the patient is experiencing a late effect or complication directly resulting from that prior pathological fracture. This could include ongoing pain, deformity, nonunion, malunion, or functional limitation attributable to the healed or resolving fracture.

Use this code when documenting a patient presenting with a long-term complication or sequela of a previously sustained pathological fracture of the left femur. The medical record must clearly indicate that the current condition is a direct consequence of the past pathological fracture, even if the fracture itself has healed. This code is appropriate for follow-up care related to the lasting impact of the fracture.

• This "S" seventh character indicates a sequela, meaning the initial injury has healed but the patient is experiencing a residual effect.
• Do not use this code for an acute pathological fracture; instead, use the appropriate M84.452A-P code for the initial encounter or subsequent care of the active fracture.
• Always code the underlying condition causing the pathological fracture (e.g., osteoporosis, neoplasm) first, followed by this sequela code.