Oth physl fx low end ulna, unsp arm, subs for fx w malunion

This code describes a fracture of the growth plate (physis) at the lower end of the ulna, which is the bone on the pinky finger side of the forearm. Specifically, it indicates that the fracture has healed improperly, resulting in a malunion, and the patient is presenting for follow-up care related to this complication. The exact location of the fracture within the physis is not specified, nor is the affected arm.

Use this code for a patient who has previously sustained an unspecified physeal fracture of the distal ulna and is now being treated for complications arising from its malunion. This would apply during subsequent visits where the focus is on managing the malunion, such as evaluating range of motion, pain, or planning corrective procedures.

• Ensure documentation clearly states a malunion of a distal ulnar physeal fracture and that this is a subsequent encounter.
• Verify laterality (left, right, or bilateral) is not specified in the medical record; if it is, a more specific code should be used.
• Do not use for initial treatment of the fracture or for nonunion; this code is specifically for malunion in a subsequent encounter.