Sprain of carpal joint of left wrist, initial encounter

This code signifies a ligamentous injury to one or more of the carpal joints within the left wrist. It indicates a stretching or tearing of the connective tissues that stabilize the carpal bones, without evidence of fracture or dislocation. The "initial encounter" designation means this code is used for the patient's first visit for this specific injury.

This code is appropriate for documenting an acute sprain of the left wrist's carpal joints, such as those sustained from a fall onto an outstretched hand or a sudden twisting motion. It should be used when the patient presents for initial evaluation and treatment of this injury.

• Always confirm the laterality (left wrist) and the specific joint involved (carpal) from the physician's documentation.
• Ensure the documentation clearly supports a sprain and not a fracture, dislocation, or other wrist injury.
• The "A" in the seventh character indicates an initial encounter; subsequent encounters for the same injury will require different seventh characters.