Stress fracture, left humerus, sequela

This code signifies a stress fracture affecting the left humerus, where the acute injury has resolved, but the patient continues to experience residual effects or complications directly attributable to the past fracture. These sequelae might include chronic pain, nonunion, malunion, or persistent functional limitations.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates that a stress fracture of the left humerus occurred in the past, and the current encounter addresses a long-term consequence or late effect of that fracture. The patient's medical record should specify the left humerus as the affected bone and describe the ongoing issue as a direct result of the prior stress fracture.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "sequela" or describes a chronic condition directly resulting from a past stress fracture of the left humerus.
• Do not use this code for an acute or current stress fracture; those require codes from the M84.322- series without the "S" seventh character.
• Always sequence this code after the primary diagnosis for the specific sequela (e.g., chronic pain, nonunion) if applicable.