Unspecified sprain of sternum, sequela

This code signifies a long-term or late-effect complication resulting from an injury to the sternum, specifically an unspecified sprain. It indicates that the initial sprain has resolved, but the patient continues to experience residual symptoms or conditions directly attributable to that past injury.

Use this code when documenting a patient presenting with chronic pain, stiffness, or other persistent issues in the sternal area, and the medical record clearly links these symptoms as a sequela of a previously sustained, unspecified sternal sprain. This code is appropriate when the acute phase of the original injury has passed, and the current encounter addresses the lasting effects.

• Requires a seventh character 'S' to indicate sequela, meaning the initial injury has healed but residual effects persist.
• Always link this code to an external cause code (V00-Y99) if the original injury's cause is known and documented.
• Do not use for acute or subacute sprains; those would require the appropriate initial or subsequent encounter codes.