Unspecified fracture of sternum, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or late effect resulting from an unspecified fracture of the sternum. It indicates that the initial injury has healed, but the patient is still experiencing residual symptoms or conditions directly attributable to the past sternal fracture.

Apply this code when documenting conditions such as chronic pain, nonunion, malunion, or other persistent issues that are a direct consequence of a previously sustained, but now healed, sternal fracture. This code is appropriate for encounters where the primary focus is on managing these sequelae, not the acute fracture itself.

• Always use this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela (e.g., chronic pain, nonunion).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the prior sternal fracture.
• Do not use this code for acute or active sternal fractures; use the appropriate acute fracture code instead.