Nondisplaced fracture of head of left radius, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or late effect stemming from a previously sustained nondisplaced fracture of the head of the left radius. It indicates that the initial injury has healed, but the patient is now experiencing residual issues directly attributable to that fracture. These sequelae could include ongoing pain, limited range of motion, deformity, or other chronic problems.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting with a current condition that is a direct consequence of a healed nondisplaced fracture of the left radial head. This is appropriate for follow-up encounters where the primary focus is managing the lasting effects of the old injury, not the acute fracture itself. Examples include chronic pain, stiffness, or post-traumatic arthritis in the elbow joint after the fracture has consolidated.

• Always sequence this sequela code after the code for the specific manifestation of the sequela (e.g., M24.522 for contracture of left elbow).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the previous radial head fracture.
• Do not use this code for initial treatment of an acute fracture or for routine follow-up without documented ongoing complications.