Displ seg fx shaft of l tibia, subs for clos fx w malunion

This code signifies a left tibial shaft fracture that has broken into multiple segments and is no longer in proper alignment. The patient is in a follow-up phase of treatment, and the fracture has healed in an unsatisfactory position, known as a malunion, but the skin over the fracture site remains intact.

Apply this code for patients presenting for follow-up care of a previously treated displaced segmental fracture of the left tibial shaft where imaging confirms malunion. This is appropriate when the initial fracture was closed and the current encounter addresses the complications of improper healing.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "left tibia," "segmental fracture," "displaced," and "malunion."
• Verify that the encounter is for subsequent care, not initial treatment or routine healing without complications.
• Confirm the fracture was initially closed; if open, a different code series would apply.