Unspecified fracture of left patella, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or residual effect stemming from an unspecified fracture of the left kneecap. It indicates that the initial acute injury has healed, but the patient is still experiencing issues directly attributable to that past fracture. The specific type of fracture is not documented.

Apply this code when a patient presents with ongoing symptoms or conditions (e.g., chronic pain, stiffness, limited range of motion, nonunion, malunion) that are a direct result of a previously sustained, but now healed, left patellar fracture. This code is appropriate for follow-up encounters addressing these persistent issues.

• Always use this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela (e.g., M25.562 for chronic left knee pain).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the prior left patellar fracture.
• Do not use for acute or initial treatment of a patellar fracture; use the appropriate acute fracture code instead.