Greenstick fx shaft of unsp ulna, subs for fx w malunion

This code signifies a greenstick fracture affecting the shaft of the ulna, where the specific side (left or right) is not documented. Importantly, this code is used for follow-up encounters when the fracture has healed improperly, resulting in malunion.

Apply this code for patients presenting for ongoing management or evaluation of a previously sustained greenstick ulnar shaft fracture that has healed with an unacceptable alignment. This includes scenarios where surgical correction of the malunion is being considered or has already occurred, and the patient is in the recovery phase.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "malunion" and that the encounter is subsequent to the initial injury.
• Do not use this code if the fracture is still in the active healing phase without malunion, or if the malunion is affecting a different part of the ulna.
• Always strive for laterality (left or right ulna) if available in the medical record; "unspecified" should be a last resort.