Unspecified sprain of unspecified wrist, sequela

This code indicates a past wrist sprain that is now causing residual symptoms or complications. It signifies that the initial injury has healed, but the patient is still experiencing long-term effects such as chronic pain, stiffness, weakness, or instability in the wrist. The specific wrist affected and the exact ligament(s) involved in the original sprain are not documented.

Use this code when a patient presents with ongoing issues directly attributable to a previously sustained, but now resolved, wrist sprain. This is appropriate for follow-up encounters where the focus is on managing the sequelae rather than treating the acute injury. It should be applied when the documentation clearly links current symptoms to an old wrist sprain without specifying the exact location.

• Always use a seventh character of 'S' for sequela when documenting residual conditions from a past injury.
• Ensure documentation clearly states the current condition is a long-term effect of a prior wrist sprain.
• Avoid using this code for acute or subacute sprains; those require different seventh characters.