Stress fracture, unspecified finger(s), sequela

This code signifies a stress fracture affecting an unspecified finger, where the fracture itself is no longer acute but has resulted in a long-term complication or residual effect. This could include chronic pain, deformity, limited range of motion, or nonunion that persists after the initial healing phase of the stress fracture. It indicates that the patient is being treated for the lasting consequences of a previously sustained stress fracture.

Use this code when documenting a patient encounter for the management of a chronic condition or complication directly attributable to a past stress fracture of an unspecified finger. Documentation should clearly state that the current issue is a "sequela" or "residual effect" of a prior stress fracture, and the acute phase of the fracture has passed. This code is appropriate when the focus of care is on the long-term impact rather than the initial injury or its immediate healing.

• Always ensure documentation explicitly links the current condition to a previous stress fracture as a sequela.
• Do not use this code for acute or active stress fractures; use the appropriate acute stress fracture code.
• Consider additional codes for specific sequelae (e.g., M20.0- for deformities of fingers) if further specificity is documented.