Nondisplaced comminuted fracture of left patella, sequela

This code indicates a past injury to the left kneecap where the bone was broken into multiple fragments but remained in its anatomical position. The "sequela" aspect signifies that this code is used to report a current condition or complication arising directly from that old fracture, even if the fracture itself has healed.

This code is appropriate when a patient presents with a long-term issue, such as chronic pain, stiffness, or functional limitation, that is directly attributable to a previously sustained nondisplaced comminuted fracture of the left patella. It should be used after the acute phase of the fracture has passed and the patient is being treated for a residual effect.

• Always sequence this sequela code after the code for the current condition being treated (e.g., chronic pain, osteoarthritis).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current symptom or condition to the historical patella fracture.
• Do not use this code for the initial treatment of an acute fracture; instead, use the appropriate acute fracture code.