Nondisplaced comminuted fracture of right patella, sequela

This code indicates a past injury to the right kneecap that resulted in a fracture where the bone broke into multiple fragments, but these fragments remained in their anatomical alignment. The "sequela" designation signifies that this code is used to report a late effect or complication directly resulting from that original fracture, rather than the acute injury itself.

This code is appropriate when a patient presents with ongoing issues, symptoms, or complications directly attributable to a previously sustained nondisplaced comminuted fracture of the right patella. Examples include chronic pain, stiffness, or functional limitations that are a direct consequence of the healed or healing fracture. It should be used after the initial healing phase of the acute fracture has passed.

• Always assign an additional code to describe the specific sequela (e.g., M25.561 for chronic pain in right knee).
• Do not use this code for the initial encounter or subsequent encounters for active treatment of the acute fracture.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the prior patellar fracture.