Displacement of int fix of bone of right lower leg, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication involving the displacement of an internal fixation device, such as a plate, screw, or rod, that was previously implanted in a bone of the patient's right lower leg. This displacement can lead to ongoing pain, instability, or functional impairment, and it is a residual effect of the initial injury and subsequent surgical repair.

Use this code when documenting a patient presenting with symptoms or findings directly attributable to a dislodged or improperly positioned internal fixation device in the right tibia or fibula, and the condition is a sequela, meaning it is a late effect of the original injury and treatment. This applies to follow-up encounters for chronic issues related to the displaced hardware.

• Always assign an external cause code (20 characters) to identify the cause of the original injury that necessitated the internal fixation.
• Do not use this code for acute displacement occurring during the initial healing phase; instead, use the acute displacement codes.
• Ensure documentation clearly states the displacement is a "sequela" or "late effect" to support the seventh character 'S'.