Displaced pilon fracture of right tibia, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or late effect resulting from a pilon fracture of the right tibia, where the bone fragments were displaced at the time of the original injury. A pilon fracture involves the weight-bearing surface of the distal tibia, often extending into the ankle joint. "Sequela" indicates that the current condition is a residual problem directly attributable to the healed or previous fracture.

Use this code when documenting a patient presenting with ongoing issues, such as chronic pain, arthritis, malunion, nonunion, or functional limitations, that are a direct consequence of a previously sustained and now healed or resolving displaced pilon fracture of the right tibia. This is appropriate for follow-up encounters long after the initial injury and acute treatment phase.

• Always use this code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela being treated (e.g., M19.171 for post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the right ankle).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the prior displaced pilon fracture of the right tibia.
• Do not use this code for acute or subacute phases of the fracture treatment; it is exclusively for late effects.