Displ spiral fx shaft of l tibia, 7thR

This code describes a left tibia fracture that is displaced, specifically a spiral fracture of the shaft, which has progressed to malunion. It indicates an open fracture of type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC, meaning there is significant soft tissue damage and contamination, and the patient is in a subsequent phase of care for this specific complication.

Use this code when documenting follow-up care for a patient with a previously treated, but now malunited, open spiral fracture of the left tibial shaft. This applies when the original open fracture was classified as Gustilo-Anderson type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC. This code is appropriate for encounters where the malunion is being addressed or monitored.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "subsequent encounter" and the presence of malunion.
• Verify the original open fracture was indeed a Gustilo-Anderson type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC.
• Do not use for initial encounter or for non-union; separate codes exist for those scenarios.