Unsp fracture of left patella, subs for clos fx w malunion

This code signifies a fracture of the left kneecap that was previously treated but has not healed correctly, resulting in a malunion. The fracture type itself is not specified, and the skin over the fracture remains intact. This indicates a complication of a prior fracture treatment.

Use this code for follow-up encounters where a patient presents with ongoing issues related to a previously treated, unspecified closed fracture of the left patella, and radiographic or clinical evidence confirms malunion. This applies when the initial healing process has completed, but the bone fragments have united in an anatomically incorrect position.

• Requires a seventh character "P" to indicate a subsequent encounter for a closed fracture with malunion.
• Ensure documentation clearly states "malunion" and specifies the left patella.
• Do not use for nonunion (failure to heal) or delayed union (slower than expected healing).