Displ bicondylar fx unsp tibia, 7thQ

This code signifies a bicondylar fracture of the tibia, meaning both condyles (the rounded prominences at the end of the bone) are broken and out of alignment. It specifically indicates that the fracture was initially an open fracture (skin broken) of type I or II, and the patient is now being seen for follow-up care due to improper healing (malunion). The laterality of the tibia is not specified.

Use this code for a patient presenting for ongoing management of a previously treated open bicondylar tibial fracture (Type I or II) that has healed incorrectly. This applies when the physician is addressing complications or planning further intervention related to the malunion. This code is appropriate for subsequent encounters after the initial treatment of the acute fracture.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "malunion" as the reason for the subsequent encounter.
• Verify the original fracture was an open fracture, Type I or II, and that the fracture is bicondylar.
• Do not use this code for initial encounters or for nonunion; a different code would be required for those scenarios.