Nondisplaced transverse fracture of left patella, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or late effect stemming from a transverse fracture of the left kneecap that was not displaced at the time of injury. It indicates that the initial fracture has healed, but the patient is now experiencing residual issues directly attributable to that past injury. These sequelae could include chronic pain, stiffness, limited range of motion, or other functional impairments.

Use this code when documenting a patient presenting with ongoing problems or conditions that are a direct consequence of a previously sustained, nondisplaced transverse fracture of the left patella. This applies when the acute phase of the fracture has passed, and the current encounter addresses the chronic or residual effects. Examples include a patient seeking treatment for persistent knee pain years after the initial injury, or for surgical intervention to address post-traumatic arthritis resulting from the fracture.

• Always sequence the sequela code first, followed by any codes for the specific manifestation of the sequela (e.g., chronic pain, osteoarthritis).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the past nondisplaced transverse fracture of the left patella.
• Do not use this code for initial encounters or subsequent encounters for active treatment of the acute fracture; those require codes from the initial, subsequent, or malunion/nonunion categories.