Type I occipital condyle fracture, left side, sequela

This code signifies a healed or residual condition resulting from a Type I fracture of the left occipital condyle. This specific fracture type involves an impaction injury of the occipital condyle, typically stable. The "sequela" designation indicates that the acute injury has resolved, but the patient is still experiencing long-term effects or complications related to it.

Use this code when documenting a patient presenting with a chronic or late effect stemming from a previously sustained Type I fracture of the left occipital condyle. This applies when the initial injury has healed, but the patient continues to experience symptoms such as chronic pain, limited range of motion, or neurological deficits directly attributable to the past fracture. Documentation should clearly state the prior fracture and the current sequelae.

• Always ensure documentation specifies "sequela" or "late effect" to justify using this seventh character.
• Do not use this code for the initial acute injury; instead, use the appropriate acute fracture code.
• Consider co-reporting with codes for the specific sequelae (e.g., chronic pain, neurological deficits) if applicable.