Pathological fracture, left ulna, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or late effect resulting from a pathological fracture of the left ulna. A pathological fracture occurs due to a disease process weakening the bone, rather than from trauma. The "sequela" indicates that the acute phase of the fracture has passed, and the patient is now experiencing residual effects.

Use this code when documenting a patient presenting with a current problem directly attributable to a previously healed or resolved pathological fracture of the left ulna. Documentation should clearly state a history of a pathological fracture of the left ulna and the current condition being treated as a direct consequence (e.g., malunion, nonunion, chronic pain, deformity, functional impairment).

• Always sequence this code after the code identifying the specific sequela (e.g., M89.9 for bone disorder, unspecified, if the sequela is not more specifically defined).
• Ensure documentation explicitly links the current condition to the pathological nature of the prior fracture, not a traumatic one.
• Do not use this code for the initial treatment of the pathological fracture or for subsequent encounters during the active healing phase.