Other displaced dens fracture, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or late effect stemming from a previously sustained displaced fracture of the dens (odontoid process) of the second cervical vertebra (C2). It indicates that the initial injury has healed, but the patient is experiencing residual issues directly attributable to that specific fracture.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a sequela (e.g., chronic pain, nonunion, malunion, neurological deficit) resulting from a past displaced dens fracture. This code is appropriate for encounters where the patient is being treated for the consequences of the old injury, not the acute fracture itself. Supporting documentation would include a history of the displaced dens fracture and current symptoms linked to it.

• Requires a seventh character 'S' to indicate sequela, meaning the patient is being treated for the residual effects of the injury.
• Always sequence this code after the code(s) for the specific sequela being treated (e.g., chronic pain, nonunion).
• Do not use for acute or subsequent encounters for the initial healing of the fracture; those require different seventh characters.