Unspecified nondisp fx of fourth cervical vertebra, sequela

This code describes a long-term complication or late effect resulting from a previous, unspecified, nondisplaced fracture of the fourth cervical vertebra. It indicates that the patient is experiencing ongoing issues directly attributable to the past injury, even though the acute fracture has healed.

Use this code when a patient presents with a current condition or symptom that is a residual effect of a previously sustained, nondisplaced C4 vertebral fracture. Documentation should clearly link the current complaint to the old injury, often through terms like "due to prior fracture," "post-traumatic," or "sequela of."

• Requires a seventh character "S" to indicate sequela, meaning the patient is seen for a complication or late effect of the fracture.
• Do not use for initial or subsequent encounters for the acute fracture itself; those would use "A" or "D" seventh characters.
• Always code the specific nature of the sequela (e.g., chronic pain, malunion, nonunion) first, followed by this sequela code.