Injury of axillary nerve, left arm, sequela

This code indicates a long-term or residual effect resulting from a past injury to the axillary nerve in the patient's left arm. This nerve is crucial for shoulder movement and sensation, and its sequelae can manifest as persistent weakness, paralysis, or sensory deficits in the deltoid and teres minor muscles.

Apply this code when documenting a current condition that is a direct consequence of a previous axillary nerve injury to the left arm, and the acute phase of the original injury has resolved. This is appropriate for chronic pain, muscle atrophy, or functional limitations directly attributable to the prior nerve damage.

• Always assign a sequela code when the acute injury has healed, but residual effects persist.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the prior axillary nerve injury.
• Do not use this code for acute or initial encounters of an axillary nerve injury.