Displaced osteochondral fracture of left patella, sequela

This diagnosis code indicates a long-term complication or late effect stemming from a displaced osteochondral fracture of the left kneecap. It signifies that the patient is experiencing ongoing issues, symptoms, or conditions directly attributable to a previous injury where a piece of bone and cartilage was broken off and moved from its normal position on the left patella. This could include chronic pain, instability, or degenerative changes.

Use this code when documenting a patient presenting with residual problems or chronic conditions that are a direct consequence of a past displaced osteochondral fracture of their left patella. This applies to encounters occurring after the initial healing phase of the acute fracture, where the current treatment addresses the lasting impact of that injury.

• Always assign a "sequela" code when the patient is seen for a complication or late effect of a previous injury, after the acute phase has passed.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current symptoms or condition to the prior displaced osteochondral fracture of the left patella.
• Consider additional codes for specific chronic symptoms or conditions (e.g., M17.12 for left primary patellofemoral osteoarthritis) if they are also being treated and are a direct result of the sequela.