Colles' fracture of unspecified radius, sequela

This code signifies a Colles' fracture of the radius, where the specific side (left or right) is not documented. It is used to report a condition or complication that arises as a direct result of the initial fracture, after the acute phase of healing has passed. This could include chronic pain, malunion, nonunion, or functional limitations.

Apply this code when documenting a long-term consequence or residual effect of a previously healed Colles' fracture, and the medical record does not specify which radius was affected. This is appropriate for follow-up encounters addressing ongoing issues related to the past injury, rather than the initial treatment of the fracture itself.

• Always sequence this code after the primary diagnosis describing the specific sequela (e.g., M84.28 for malunion of radius).
• Avoid using this code for acute or subacute fracture care; it is exclusively for sequelae.
• If the laterality of the Colles' fracture is known, a more specific code (S52.531S or S52.532S) should be used instead.