Dislocation of distal interphaln joint of finger, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or residual effect stemming from a previous dislocation of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint in any finger other than the thumb. These sequelae can include chronic pain, stiffness, instability, or deformity that persists after the initial injury has healed.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting with ongoing issues directly attributable to a past DIP joint dislocation of the index, middle, ring, or little finger. This is appropriate for follow-up encounters addressing the chronic consequences, not the acute injury itself.

• Always use in conjunction with a code describing the specific sequela (e.g., chronic pain, osteoarthritis).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to a previous DIP joint dislocation.
• Do not use for acute dislocations; those require codes from the initial encounter or subsequent encounter categories.