Smith's fracture of left radius, sequela

This code signifies a Smith's fracture affecting the left radius, where the fracture itself is no longer acute but has resulted in a long-term complication or residual condition. This could include chronic pain, malunion, nonunion, nerve damage, or persistent functional limitations stemming from the original injury.

Use this code when documenting a patient presenting with a current problem directly attributable to a previously sustained Smith's fracture of the left radius. This applies to follow-up encounters for ongoing management of sequelae, even if the initial fracture occurred months or years prior. It is appropriate when the acute phase of healing is complete, but the patient continues to experience issues.

• Always sequence this code after the code describing the specific sequela (e.g., M84.28 for nonunion, G90.50 for reflex sympathetic dystrophy).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the prior Smith's fracture of the left radius.
• Do not use for initial or subsequent encounters for active fracture treatment; those require codes from the initial, subsequent, or malunion/nonunion categories without the "S" seventh character.