Displ commnt fx shaft of rad, l arm, 7thR

This code signifies a left arm radius shaft fracture that is broken into multiple pieces (comminuted) and misaligned (displaced), which was initially an open fracture of severe type (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC). The current encounter addresses the complication of malunion, where the bone has healed incorrectly.

Apply this code for follow-up encounters where a patient with a previously treated severe open comminuted and displaced fracture of the left radial shaft is presenting with evidence of malunion. This includes situations where surgical correction of the malunion is being planned or performed, or during ongoing management of the malunited fracture.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "left arm" and "shaft of radius" to differentiate from other forearm fractures.
• Confirm the original fracture was an open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC, and that malunion is the current complication.
• Always sequence this code as a secondary diagnosis if another condition is the primary reason for the encounter, unless the malunion is the sole reason for the visit.