Severely displaced Zone I fracture of sacrum, sequela

This code signifies a fracture of the sacrum, specifically located in Zone I (ala and sacral foramina), which has resulted in significant displacement of the bone fragments. The "sequela" indicator means this code is used for complications or conditions arising directly from the initial injury, after the acute phase of healing has passed.

This code is appropriate for documenting long-term effects or residual problems stemming from a severely displaced Zone I sacral fracture. Examples include chronic pain, nerve impingement, or nonunion/malunion that are being addressed in a subsequent encounter. It should be used when the patient is no longer in the initial healing phase of the fracture.

• Always ensure documentation clearly states the fracture is a "sequela" or indicates a late effect.
• Verify the fracture location is specifically Zone I and that the displacement is documented as "severe."
• Do not use this code for the initial acute fracture encounter; a different code without the "S" extension would be appropriate for the initial injury.