Malar fracture, left side, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or residual effect stemming from a previous fracture of the left malar bone (cheekbone). It indicates that the patient is experiencing ongoing issues directly attributable to the healed or previously treated malar fracture, rather than an acute injury. These sequelae can include chronic pain, cosmetic deformity, nerve damage, or functional impairment.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting with a current problem that is a direct consequence of a past left malar fracture. Documentation should clearly link the current condition to the prior injury, often indicating a healed fracture with persistent symptoms or complications. This code is appropriate for follow-up visits addressing these chronic issues, not for the initial acute injury or its immediate healing phase.

• Always sequence this sequela code after the code describing the specific nature of the sequela (e.g., chronic pain, nonunion, malunion).
• Ensure documentation explicitly states "sequela," "late effect," or clearly links the current condition to a past left malar fracture.
• Do not use this code for an acute or current malar fracture; instead, use the appropriate acute fracture code.