Displaced fracture of left radial styloid process, sequela

This code signifies a previously sustained fracture of the radial styloid process in the left wrist that has healed in a displaced position, leading to ongoing clinical significance. The displacement indicates that the bone fragments did not realign perfectly during healing, potentially causing functional limitations or pain. This is a sequela code, meaning it describes a residual condition or complication of an earlier injury.

Use this code when documenting a patient presenting with symptoms directly attributable to a malunion or nonunion of a prior left radial styloid fracture. This is appropriate for follow-up visits where the long-term effects of the displaced healing are being managed, such as persistent pain, limited range of motion, or arthritis. It should be used after the initial healing phase of the acute fracture.

• Always ensure documentation clearly specifies "left" radial styloid and "displaced" healing.
• Pair this sequela code with an external cause code if the original injury's cause is relevant to the current encounter.
• Do not use this code for an acute, active fracture; use the appropriate acute fracture code instead.