Pathological fracture, pelvis, subs for fx w nonunion

This code signifies a fracture of the pelvic bone that occurred due to an underlying disease process, rather than trauma. The fracture has failed to heal properly (nonunion), and the patient is receiving active treatment for this ongoing complication.

Apply this code for patients presenting for follow-up care, cast changes, medication adjustments, or surgical intervention specifically addressing a pelvic pathological fracture that has not united. Documentation must clearly state "pathological fracture," "pelvis," and indicate "nonunion" during a subsequent encounter.

• Always sequence this code after the underlying disease causing the pathological fracture (e.g., osteoporosis, neoplasm).
• Ensure documentation specifies the type of encounter (initial, subsequent, sequela) to select the correct 7th character.
• Distinguish from malunion (M84.454P), which implies healing in an unsatisfactory position, not a failure to heal.