Pathological fracture, unspecified toe(s), sequela

This code signifies a pathological fracture of an unspecified toe that is now a sequela, meaning it represents the late effects or complications of a previously healed or resolved pathological fracture. A pathological fracture occurs due to a disease process weakening the bone, rather than from trauma. The "sequela" designation indicates that the acute phase of the fracture has passed, and the patient is experiencing ongoing issues related to it.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a patient is presenting for treatment of a long-term complication or residual effect directly attributable to a past pathological fracture of an unspecified toe. This could include chronic pain, deformity, nonunion, malunion, or functional impairment stemming from the original fracture. Documentation should specify the toe(s) involved as "unspecified" if not otherwise identified, and confirm the pathological nature of the original fracture.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "sequela" or "late effect" of a pathological fracture, not an acute or subsequent fracture.
• Do not use this code for acute pathological fractures; instead, use the appropriate M84.47- code without the "S" seventh character.
• Always sequence this code after the code(s) describing the specific complication or condition being treated that is a sequela of the fracture.