Sprain of interphalangeal joint of left ring finger, sequela

This code signifies a chronic or late effect of a sprain affecting the joint between the phalanges of the left ring finger. This could include persistent pain, stiffness, or instability resulting from an injury that occurred in the past and has since healed, but left residual symptoms.

This code is appropriate when documenting a patient presenting with ongoing issues directly attributable to a previously sustained sprain of the left ring finger's interphalangeal joint. This would be used after the initial acute phase of the injury has passed, and the patient is experiencing long-term complications.

• Always use a seventh character 'S' for sequela when the condition is a late effect of a previous injury.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current symptoms to the prior sprain of the left ring finger's interphalangeal joint.
• Do not use this code for acute sprains; refer to the appropriate acute sprain codes for initial encounters.