Unspecified fracture of shaft of unspecified radius, sequela

This code indicates a fracture affecting the main body (shaft) of the radius bone, where the specific location within the shaft is not documented, and the side (left or right) is also unknown. Furthermore, it signifies that this fracture is a long-term complication or late effect of an initial injury.

This code is appropriate when a patient presents with a documented sequela of a radial shaft fracture, but the medical record lacks specificity regarding the exact segment of the shaft involved and the affected arm. It is used for conditions such as malunion, nonunion, or chronic pain directly attributable to a past, unspecified radial shaft fracture.

• Always strive for greater specificity regarding the fracture site (e.g., proximal, middle, distal shaft) and laterality (left or right radius) if available in the documentation.
• This code should only be used when the "S" seventh character for sequela is explicitly supported by the clinical documentation.
• Avoid using this code if the fracture is acute or if a more specific code for a particular type of sequela (e.g., malunion) is available and documented.