Bent bone of l ulna, subs for opn fx type 3A/B/C w malunion

This code signifies a bent or deformed left ulna resulting from a previously sustained open fracture of the ulna, specifically a severe type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC injury. The "bent bone" indicates a malunion, meaning the fracture healed in an anatomically incorrect or misaligned position, leading to deformity. This is a subsequent encounter code, used after the initial treatment of the fracture.

Use this code when documenting follow-up care for a patient who has a confirmed malunion of an open left ulnar fracture, specifically if the original injury was classified as type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC. This would apply to scenarios where the patient presents with ongoing symptoms related to the deformity, such as pain, limited range of motion, or functional impairment, and the bent bone is the primary focus of the encounter.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "malunion" and the "left ulna" as the affected bone.
• Verify the original open fracture was indeed a type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC to accurately assign this specific code.
• Do not use this code for nonunion, delayed union, or initial fracture encounters; those have separate codes.