Other fracture of fourth metacarpal bone, left hand, sequela

This code signifies a fracture of the fourth metacarpal bone in the left hand that has progressed beyond the initial healing phase and is now causing residual problems. These sequelae can include chronic pain, nonunion, malunion, stiffness, or functional limitations directly attributable to the original injury. It indicates that the acute phase of treatment for the fracture has concluded, and the patient is now being treated for the long-term effects.

Apply this code when documenting a patient encounter for ongoing management of complications or residual conditions stemming from a previously sustained fracture of the left fourth metacarpal. This is appropriate for follow-up visits addressing chronic pain, limited range of motion, or surgical interventions to correct malunion or nonunion related to the past fracture. Do not use for initial fracture treatment or routine follow-up without documented sequelae.

• Always assign an additional code to specify the nature of the sequela (e.g., M25.542 for chronic pain in left hand, M84.454S for malunion of left hand).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the previous left fourth metacarpal fracture.
• This "S" seventh character indicates sequela and should be used for encounters when the patient is seen for the residual effects of a past injury.