Dislocation of oth carpometacarpal joint of left hand, init

This code signifies a complete separation of the bones at one of the joints between the carpal bones and the metacarpal bones in the left hand, excluding the thumb. This injury disrupts the normal alignment and stability of the hand's mid-portion.

Apply this code when documenting an initial presentation of a patient with a diagnosed dislocation of any carpometacarpal joint in the left hand, other than the first (thumb) carpometacarpal joint. This typically occurs due to trauma, such as a fall onto an outstretched hand or a direct blow.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "left hand" and excludes the thumb carpometacarpal joint.
• Confirm this is the initial encounter for this specific injury. Subsequent care would require a different encounter character.
• Look for details on the mechanism of injury and physical exam findings consistent with a dislocation.