Other physeal fracture of upper end of left tibia, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or late effect stemming from a physeal fracture (growth plate fracture) in the upper portion of the left tibia. These sequelae can include growth disturbances, angular deformities, leg length discrepancies, or chronic pain that persist after the initial healing of the fracture.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting with a current condition directly attributable to a previous physeal fracture of the upper left tibia, after the acute phase of the injury has passed. This is appropriate for follow-up visits addressing residual issues or complications from the original fracture.

• Requires a seventh character "S" to indicate sequela, meaning the patient is seen for a complication or late effect of the original injury.
• Do not use for initial encounters or subsequent encounters for active treatment of the acute fracture.
• Always code the specific nature of the sequela (e.g., growth arrest, malunion) in addition to this code.