Other fracture of fifth metacarpal bone, left hand, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or late effect resulting from a fracture of the fifth metacarpal bone in the left hand. It indicates that the initial injury has healed, but the patient continues to experience residual problems directly attributable to that past fracture. These sequelae can include chronic pain, limited range of motion, nonunion, malunion, or other functional impairments.

Apply this code when documenting a patient encounter for a condition that is a direct consequence of a previously sustained fifth metacarpal fracture of the left hand. This is appropriate for follow-up visits addressing ongoing issues related to the healed fracture, rather than the acute injury itself. Examples include managing chronic stiffness or pain years after the initial break.

• Always use this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela (e.g., M25.542 for pain in left hand).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the prior left fifth metacarpal fracture.
• Verify the "S" seventh character is appropriate for sequela, indicating a late effect of the injury.