Unsp fracture of lower end of unspecified ulna, sequela

This code signifies a past fracture of the lower end of the ulna where the specific type of fracture is not documented, and the patient is now experiencing a complication or residual effect from that previous injury. It indicates that the initial acute phase of the fracture has passed, and the current encounter addresses a long-term consequence.

Apply this code when a patient presents with ongoing issues, such as pain, limited range of motion, nonunion, malunion, or other sequelae directly attributable to an old, unspecified fracture of the distal ulna. This is appropriate for follow-up visits addressing chronic problems stemming from the original injury, not for the initial treatment of an acute fracture.

• Ensure documentation clearly links the current symptoms or condition to a previously sustained fracture of the distal ulna.
• Verify that the encounter is for a sequela and not an acute injury; the "S" seventh character is crucial.
• If the specific type of fracture (e.g., Colles', Smith's) is known, a more specific sequela code should be used.