Subluxation of carpometacarpal joint of unsp thumb, sequela

This code indicates a persistent or late-effect subluxation of the carpometacarpal (CMC) joint of an unspecified thumb. This means the joint is partially dislocated, but not completely separated, and the condition is a long-term consequence of an initial injury or event. The "sequela" designation signifies that the subluxation is no longer an acute injury but rather a chronic or residual problem.

Use this code when documenting a patient presenting with ongoing symptoms related to a previously sustained, but now resolved, subluxation of the thumb CMC joint. This is appropriate for follow-up visits where the primary issue is the chronic instability or malalignment resulting from the initial injury. It should be applied when the acute phase of the injury has passed, and the current encounter addresses the long-term effects.

• Always assign a seventh character of "S" (sequela) for conditions that are residual effects of a previous injury.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current subluxation to a past injury, even if the original injury code is no longer active.
• Avoid using this code for acute or initial subluxations; those require codes with "A" (initial encounter) or "D" (subsequent encounter).