Dislocation of distal end of left ulna, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or late effect stemming from a previous dislocation of the distal (far) end of the ulna bone in the left forearm. It indicates that the initial injury has resolved, but the patient continues to experience residual issues directly attributable to that past dislocation.

Apply this code when documenting conditions such as chronic pain, instability, limited range of motion, or deformity of the left wrist or forearm that are a direct consequence of a previously treated dislocation of the distal left ulna. This code is appropriate for follow-up encounters addressing these persistent problems, not the initial acute injury.

• Always use this code as a secondary diagnosis, following a code for the specific sequela (e.g., chronic pain, arthritis).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the past distal left ulnar dislocation.
• The "S" seventh character indicates a sequela, meaning the patient is seen for the late effects of the injury, not the active treatment of the initial dislocation.