Sternal manubrial dissociation, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or late effect resulting from a previous injury that caused the sternum to separate from the manubrium. This dissociation can lead to chronic pain, instability, or other persistent issues at the sternomanubrial joint. It indicates that the initial acute injury has resolved, but its lasting consequences are still present.

Use this code when documenting a patient presenting with ongoing symptoms directly attributable to a past sternal manubrial dissociation, such as chronic pain, clicking, or limited movement at the sternomanubrial joint. This code is appropriate for follow-up encounters after the initial acute injury has healed, but the patient continues to experience sequelae. It should be used when the focus of the encounter is the chronic effect, not the acute injury itself.

• Always assign an additional code to specify the nature of the sequela (e.g., chronic pain, instability).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to a previous sternal manubrial dissociation.
• Do not use this code for acute or initial encounters of sternal manubrial dissociation; use the acute injury code instead.