Other physeal fracture of upper end of left femur, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or residual effect stemming from a previous physeal fracture of the upper end of the left femur. These sequelae can include chronic pain, growth disturbances (e.g., limb length discrepancy, angular deformity), avascular necrosis, or degenerative changes that are directly attributable to the initial injury. The original fracture has healed, but its lasting impact continues to affect the patient.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting with a current condition that is a direct consequence of a previously sustained physeal fracture of the upper left femur. This is appropriate for follow-up encounters addressing chronic issues like persistent pain, functional limitations, or anatomical deformities that developed after the initial fracture healed. It indicates that the current problem is not the acute fracture itself, but its lasting aftermath.

• Always use this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela (e.g., M21.622 for limb length discrepancy).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the previous physeal fracture of the left femur.
• Do not use this code for the initial acute fracture or for complications occurring during the acute healing phase.