Late effect of fracture of multiple and unspecified bones

This code signifies a residual condition or complication that arises as a direct result of a previous fracture involving multiple or unspecified bones, occurring after the acute phase of the injury has passed. It describes a sequela, not the initial injury itself, indicating a lasting impact on the patient's health or function.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a current problem (e.g., chronic pain, malunion, nonunion, limited range of motion, deformity) that is directly attributed to a past fracture of multiple or unspecified bones. The medical record must specify that the acute fracture has healed or is no longer the primary focus of treatment, and the current condition is a long-term consequence.

• Always sequence this code after the code identifying the specific late effect or current condition (e.g., malunion, chronic pain).
• Ensure the documentation explicitly links the current condition to a previous fracture of multiple or unspecified bones, not a single bone.
• Distinguish from acute fracture codes (800-829) which describe the initial injury; this code is for the late effect.