Nondisplaced fracture of unspecified tibial spine, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or late effect stemming from a previously sustained, non-displaced fracture of the unspecified tibial spine. The original injury involved a break in the bony prominence on the top of the tibia where the cruciate ligaments attach, but the bone fragments remained in their normal anatomical position. The "sequela" indicates that the patient is now experiencing residual problems directly related to that past fracture.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting with ongoing symptoms or conditions that are a direct consequence of a healed or previously treated nondisplaced tibial spine fracture. This would include scenarios such as chronic pain, stiffness, limited range of motion, or instability in the knee joint attributed to the old injury. It is used when the acute phase of the fracture has passed, and the current encounter addresses the lasting effects.

• Always assign a "sequela" code when the patient is seen for a complication or residual effect of a past injury, not the acute injury itself.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current symptoms or condition to the previous nondisplaced tibial spine fracture.
• Do not use this code for an acute fracture; instead, select an appropriate acute fracture code from the S82.11- series.