Fracture of nasal bones, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or late effect resulting from a previous fracture of the nasal bones. It indicates that the patient is experiencing residual issues directly attributable to the past injury, such as chronic pain, deformity, or functional impairment. This is not for an acute or current fracture.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a sequela (e.g., malunion, nonunion, chronic sinusitis, persistent cosmetic deformity) stemming from a past nasal bone fracture. The patient's medical record should specify the causal link between the prior fracture and the current condition being treated.

• Always use an additional code to identify the specific sequela, such as a malunion (M84.0X) or chronic sinusitis (J32.0-J32.9).
• Do not use this code for an acute or current fracture; use the appropriate acute fracture code (e.g., S02.2XXA).
• Ensure the "S" seventh character is used for sequela, indicating the late effects of the injury.