Other displaced fracture of third cervical vertebra, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or late effect stemming from a previously sustained displaced fracture of the third cervical vertebra. It indicates that the initial injury has healed, but the patient continues to experience residual problems directly attributable to that fracture. These sequelae can include chronic pain, neurological deficits, or functional limitations.

Use this code when documenting a patient presenting with a current condition that is a direct consequence of a past displaced C3 vertebral fracture, and the acute phase of the fracture has resolved. Documentation should clearly link the current symptoms or condition to the historical C3 fracture, often through a "history of" statement or a physician's assessment of causality.

• Always assign this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela (e.g., chronic pain, myelopathy).
• Ensure the documentation explicitly states the "sequela" nature of the current condition and its direct link to the prior C3 fracture.
• Do not use this code for acute or subacute fractures; those require codes without the "S" seventh character.