Sprain of posterior cruciate ligament of left knee, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or residual effect stemming from a prior injury to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in the patient's left knee. These sequelae can include chronic instability, persistent pain, or degenerative changes that developed as a direct result of the original PCL sprain. It indicates that the acute injury has passed, but its lasting impact continues to affect the knee.

Apply this code when documenting conditions like chronic PCL insufficiency, ongoing knee pain directly attributable to an old PCL sprain, or osteoarthritis that has developed secondary to a past PCL injury of the left knee. This is appropriate for patients presenting for treatment of these persistent issues, not for the initial acute sprain.

• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to a previous PCL sprain, not an acute injury.
• Always code the specific sequela (e.g., chronic pain, instability) first, followed by this sequela code.
• Verify laterality; this code is specific to the left knee.