Stress fracture, left ankle, subs for fx w malunion

This code signifies a stress fracture located in the left ankle that has previously been treated but is now healing incorrectly, resulting in a malunion. It indicates that the patient is receiving ongoing care for this complication.

Apply this code when a patient presents for follow-up care, such as imaging, physical therapy, or surgical consultation, for a left ankle stress fracture that has healed in an anatomically incorrect position. Documentation should clearly state "stress fracture," "left ankle," "malunion," and indicate that this is not the initial treatment encounter.

• Ensure documentation specifies "left ankle" and not a more general foot or lower leg site.
• Distinguish from nonunion (M84.372N) where the fracture has failed to heal entirely.
• Always sequence this code after the initial encounter code for the stress fracture, if applicable, and consider additional codes for associated symptoms or treatments.