Fracture of mandible, unspecified, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or late effect stemming from a previously sustained, unspecified mandibular fracture. It indicates that the initial acute injury has resolved, but the patient is now experiencing residual issues directly attributable to that past fracture. These sequelae could include chronic pain, malunion, nonunion, or functional impairment.

Assign this code when a patient presents with a current condition or symptom that is a direct consequence of a healed or past mandibular fracture, and the specific type of fracture (e.g., body, ramus) was not documented or is unknown. Documentation should clearly link the current problem to the historical mandibular fracture and indicate that the acute phase of the fracture has passed.

• Always sequence the sequela code first, followed by codes for the specific manifestation of the sequela (e.g., M26.0- for dentofacial anomalies, M96.0- for pseudarthrosis).
• Do not use this code for acute or active mandibular fractures; those require codes from S02.6-.
• Ensure documentation explicitly states the current condition is a "sequela," "late effect," or "due to old fracture" of the mandible.