Displaced bicondylar fracture of left tibia, sequela

This code signifies a past fracture involving both condyles of the left tibia that was displaced at the time of injury, and the patient is now experiencing a long-term complication or residual effect from that fracture. This indicates that the acute phase of the fracture has passed, and the current encounter addresses a chronic issue directly related to the previous injury.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting with a sequela (e.g., chronic pain, malunion, nonunion, arthritis, limited range of motion, deformity) directly attributable to a previously sustained and healed, or healing, displaced bicondylar fracture of the left tibia. This code is appropriate for follow-up care addressing these chronic complications, not for the initial treatment of the acute fracture.

• Always use this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela being treated.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the prior displaced bicondylar fracture of the left tibia.
• Do not use this code for the initial treatment of an acute fracture; instead, use the appropriate acute fracture code.