Type III traum spondylolysis of fourth cervcal vert, sequela

This code signifies a chronic or late effect of a traumatic spondylolisthesis (forward displacement) of the C4 vertebra, specifically a Type III fracture according to the Effendi classification. This indicates a bilateral pedicle fracture with anterior displacement of the vertebral body, resulting from a past injury. The "sequela" designation means the code is used for conditions that are residual effects of the original trauma, presenting long after the acute phase.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting with ongoing symptoms or complications directly attributable to a previously sustained Type III traumatic spondylolisthesis of the C4 vertebra. This includes conditions like chronic pain, neurological deficits, or instability that persist after the initial injury has healed. Documentation should clearly state the history of the traumatic C4 spondylolisthesis and link current symptoms to this past event.

• Always use this sequela code when the patient is seen for complications or residual effects of the original injury, not for the acute fracture itself.
• Ensure documentation specifies "Type III" and the "C4" vertebra to support the specificity of this code.
• Consider sequencing this code after any current symptom codes, as it describes the underlying cause of the sequela.