Unspecified fracture of third lumbar vertebra, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or late effect stemming from an unspecified fracture of the third lumbar vertebra. It indicates that the initial injury has healed, but the patient is now experiencing residual problems directly attributable to that past fracture.

Apply this code when documenting conditions such as chronic pain, nerve damage, spinal deformity, or functional impairment that are a direct consequence of a previously sustained, but now healed, fracture of the L3 vertebra. This code is appropriate when the acute phase of the fracture has passed and the patient is being treated for the sequela.

• Always sequence the sequela code first, followed by codes for the specific manifestation(s) of the sequela.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the old L3 fracture.
• Do not use this code for acute or active fractures; those require codes from the initial encounter or subsequent encounter categories.