Displaced spiral fx shaft of radius, left arm, sequela

This code signifies a past injury involving a spiral fracture of the shaft of the left radius that was displaced at the time of the initial injury. The "sequela" designation indicates that the patient is currently experiencing a complication or residual effect directly related to this previous fracture, rather than the acute injury itself.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting with long-term issues such as chronic pain, limited range of motion, nonunion, malunion, or nerve damage that are directly attributable to a previously sustained and healed (or healing) displaced spiral fracture of the left radial shaft. This code is appropriate for follow-up encounters after the initial acute treatment phase has concluded.

• Always ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the previous displaced spiral fracture of the left radius.
• Do not use this code for the initial acute injury; instead, use an acute fracture code from the S52.342 series.
• Consider additional codes to specify the exact nature of the sequela (e.g., M25.522 for chronic pain, M24.522 for contracture).