Injury of radial nerve at upper arm level, left arm, sequela

This code signifies a long-term or late-effect complication resulting from a previous injury to the radial nerve in the upper left arm. These sequelae can include persistent weakness, numbness, or altered sensation in the distribution of the radial nerve, affecting the posterior forearm, wrist, and hand. The original acute injury has resolved, but its lasting impact on nerve function remains.

Use this code when documenting conditions such as chronic wrist drop, persistent sensory deficits, or muscle atrophy in the left arm that are directly attributable to a past, resolved injury of the radial nerve at the upper arm level. This code is appropriate for follow-up encounters addressing these ongoing issues, not the initial acute injury.

• Ensure documentation clearly states the condition is a "sequela" or "late effect" of a previous injury.
• Always code the specific sequela (e.g., muscle weakness, sensory deficit) first, followed by this sequela code.
• Verify the injury location is specifically the "upper arm level" and the affected side is the "left arm."