Unspecified fracture of unspecified metacarpal bone, sequela

This code indicates a long-term complication or late effect stemming from a fracture of any metacarpal bone, where the specific metacarpal and the type of fracture are not documented. It signifies that the initial fracture has healed, but the patient is experiencing ongoing issues directly attributable to that past injury.

Apply this code when a patient presents with a condition that is a residual effect of a previously sustained, unspecified metacarpal fracture. This includes chronic pain, deformity, nonunion, malunion, or functional limitations occurring after the acute phase of the fracture has passed. It should be used as a secondary diagnosis following the code for the specific sequela.

• Always use this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code that describes the specific sequela (e.g., M20.00 for unspecified finger deformity).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to a past metacarpal fracture.
• Avoid using this code for acute or subacute fractures; those require codes from the initial encounter or subsequent encounter categories.