Wedge compression fracture of first lumbar vertebra, sequela

This code describes a wedge compression fracture affecting the first lumbar vertebra, where the acute injury has healed but residual effects or complications persist. These sequelae can include chronic pain, spinal deformity, neurological deficits, or functional limitations directly attributable to the past fracture.

Use this code when documenting a patient presenting with long-term complications or conditions stemming from a previously sustained wedge compression fracture of the L1 vertebra. This is appropriate for follow-up encounters after the initial fracture has healed, and the patient is experiencing ongoing issues related to that injury. It should not be used for the initial acute fracture or for non-traumatic compression fractures.

• Always sequence this sequela code after the code(s) describing the specific residual condition(s) (e.g., chronic pain, kyphosis).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current symptoms or conditions to the historical L1 wedge compression fracture.
• Do not use this code for current, active fractures; refer to the acute fracture codes for those scenarios.