Traumatic rupture of unsp radial collat ligament, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or residual effect stemming from a past traumatic injury to an unspecified radial collateral ligament. It indicates that the initial injury has healed, but the patient continues to experience ongoing issues directly attributable to that original trauma.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting with chronic pain, instability, reduced range of motion, or other persistent symptoms in the elbow or wrist, where the etiology is clearly linked to a previously sustained, traumatic rupture of a radial collateral ligament. This code is appropriate for follow-up encounters after the acute phase of injury has passed.

• Requires a seventh character of 'S' for sequela, indicating a complication or residual effect of a past injury.
• Do not use for acute or initial encounters; those would typically use codes with 'A' (initial encounter) or 'D' (subsequent encounter).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to a prior traumatic rupture of the radial collateral ligament.