Displaced fracture of base of other metacarpal bone, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or late effect stemming from a previously sustained fracture at the base of a metacarpal bone other than the thumb (first metacarpal). It indicates that the fracture, despite healing, has resulted in an ongoing issue, such as chronic pain, deformity, or functional limitation, attributable to its original displaced nature.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting with a current condition directly resulting from a past displaced fracture of the base of the second, third, fourth, or fifth metacarpal. This is appropriate for follow-up encounters where the sequela, not the acute fracture, is the primary reason for the visit. It should be used after the initial healing phase of the fracture is complete.

• Always use this code as a secondary diagnosis, with the primary diagnosis describing the specific sequela (e.g., M79.641 for pain in right hand).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the previous displaced metacarpal base fracture.
• Verify the fracture location is indeed the base of a metacarpal other than the thumb.