Nondisp fx of lateral malleolus of l fibula, 7thN

This code signifies a non-displaced fracture of the outer ankle bone (lateral malleolus) in the left leg that has failed to heal properly. The fracture was initially an open fracture, meaning the skin was broken, and is now in a stage of nonunion, indicating the bone fragments are not fusing together.

This code is appropriate for documenting follow-up care for a patient with a previously treated open fracture of the left lateral malleolus that has not healed and is now considered a nonunion. It is used when the initial open fracture was classified as Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC according to the Gustilo-Anderson classification. This code would be used for subsequent encounters after the initial treatment of the fracture.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "nonunion" and the left side.
• Verify the original fracture was an open fracture, Gustilo-Anderson Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC.
• This code is for subsequent encounters, not the initial treatment of the fracture.