Displaced segmental fx shaft of radius, unsp arm, sequela

This code signifies a past injury involving a displaced fracture of the shaft of the radius, where the bone broke into at least three pieces (segmental), and the fragments were not in their normal alignment. The "sequela" indicates that this code is used to report a current condition or complication that is a direct result of this old fracture, rather than the acute injury itself. The specific arm affected is not documented.

This code is appropriate when a patient presents with a chronic issue, such as malunion, nonunion, chronic pain, nerve damage, or limited range of motion, that is directly attributable to a previously sustained displaced segmental fracture of the radial shaft. It should be used after the initial healing phase of the fracture has passed.

• Always assign an additional code to specify the nature of the sequela (e.g., M84.2x for nonunion, M96.0 for pseudarthrosis).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the old fracture and specifies the "sequela" status.
• Do not use this code for the initial treatment of the acute fracture; use acute fracture codes for that purpose.