Nondisp fx of lateral malleolus of left fibula, sequela

This code describes a past injury to the outer ankle bone of the left leg, specifically a fracture of the lateral malleolus that was not displaced at the time of the original injury. The "sequela" designation indicates that this code is used when a patient is presenting for treatment of a complication or residual effect directly resulting from this old fracture, rather than the acute injury itself.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a patient is being treated for a long-term consequence of a previously sustained, nondisplaced lateral malleolus fracture of the left fibula. Examples include chronic pain, stiffness, limited range of motion, or post-traumatic arthritis at the fracture site, after the initial healing phase has passed. This code is not for the initial treatment of the acute fracture.

• Ensure the medical record explicitly states "sequela" or describes a chronic condition directly linked to the old fracture.
• Verify the fracture was nondisplaced and located in the lateral malleolus of the left fibula.
• Do not use this code for the initial encounter or subsequent care during the active healing phase of the fracture; use the appropriate acute fracture code for those scenarios.