Disp fx of shaft of fourth MC bone, left hand, sequela

This code indicates a past fracture of the shaft of the fourth metacarpal bone in the left hand that has healed but resulted in a permanent complication or late effect. The fracture was initially displaced, meaning the bone fragments were out of alignment. The sequela could include chronic pain, malunion, nonunion, limited range of motion, or other long-term functional impairment.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting with a current problem or condition that is a direct result of a previously sustained and healed displaced fracture of the left fourth metacarpal shaft. This is appropriate for follow-up encounters addressing the long-term consequences of the injury, not the initial acute fracture treatment.

• Always sequence the sequela code first, followed by a code describing the specific complication (e.g., M21.042 for malunion).
• Ensure documentation clearly states the current condition is a "sequela" or "late effect" of the prior fracture.
• Do not use this code for acute or active treatment of the initial fracture; use the appropriate acute fracture code with the correct seventh character for initial or subsequent encounter.