Displaced comminuted fx shaft of unsp femur, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or late effect stemming from a comminuted fracture of the femoral shaft, where the bone fragments were not in their normal anatomical alignment. The specific femur (left or right) is not documented. This sequela could encompass chronic pain, nonunion, malunion, or functional limitations resulting from the original injury.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting for treatment of a residual condition directly attributable to a previously sustained, displaced comminuted fracture of the femoral shaft. This is appropriate for follow-up care long after the initial healing phase, addressing issues like hardware removal due to complications, chronic osteomyelitis, or persistent functional impairment.

• Always sequence the sequela code first, followed by codes for the specific manifestation(s) of the sequela.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the prior femoral shaft fracture.
• Do not use for initial treatment of an acute fracture; this is exclusively for late effects.