Greenstick fracture of shaft of unspecified ulna, sequela

This code signifies a past greenstick fracture affecting the shaft of the ulna, where the specific side (left or right) is not documented. A greenstick fracture is an incomplete fracture, common in children, where one side of the bone is broken and the other is bent. The "sequela" designation indicates that this code is used for complications or conditions arising as a direct result of the initial injury, even after the acute phase has passed.

Apply this code when documenting a long-term effect or complication stemming from a previously sustained greenstick fracture of the ulnar shaft, and the laterality of the original injury is unknown or unspecified in the medical record. This would be appropriate for conditions like malunion, nonunion, chronic pain, or functional limitations directly attributable to the old fracture. It should not be used for the initial acute injury.

• Always ensure the documentation clearly links the current condition to the previous greenstick fracture of the ulna.
• Verify that the medical record explicitly states "unspecified" or lacks information regarding the laterality of the original fracture.
• Do not use this code for the initial treatment of the acute greenstick fracture; a different code would be appropriate for the active injury.