Displaced oblique fracture of shaft of unsp tibia, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or late effect stemming from a previously sustained oblique fracture of the shaft of an unspecified tibia, where the bone fragments were not in their anatomical alignment at the time of the original injury. It indicates that the patient is experiencing ongoing issues directly attributable to this past fracture, rather than an acute injury.

Apply this code when documenting conditions such as chronic pain, malunion, nonunion, post-traumatic arthritis, or functional limitations that are a direct consequence of a healed or healing displaced oblique tibial shaft fracture. This code is appropriate for encounters where the initial injury has resolved, but its lasting effects are being addressed.

• Always use this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela being treated (e.g., M84.48 for malunion).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the previous displaced oblique tibial shaft fracture.
• Do not use this code for initial or subsequent encounters for the active treatment of the acute fracture.