Bennett's fracture, unspecified hand, sequela

This code signifies a fracture of the base of the first metacarpal bone, extending into the carpometacarpal joint, in an unspecified hand. It specifically indicates a sequela, meaning a late effect or complication of the original injury, rather than the acute fracture itself.

This code is appropriate when documenting a long-term complication or residual condition directly resulting from a previously sustained Bennett's fracture of an unspecified hand. Examples include chronic pain, nonunion, malunion, or degenerative arthritis at the fracture site, occurring after the initial healing phase.

• Always assign an additional code to describe the specific sequela (e.g., M19.049 for primary osteoarthritis of unspecified hand).
• Ensure documentation clearly indicates the unspecified hand and that the condition is a late effect, not an acute injury.
• Do not use this code for the initial treatment of an acute Bennett's fracture.