Pathological fracture, left fibula, sequela

This code signifies a fracture of the left fibula that occurred due to an underlying disease process, rather than trauma, and is now presenting with a late effect or complication. This implies the acute phase of the fracture has passed, and the patient is experiencing ongoing issues directly attributable to the previous pathological fracture.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a patient is being treated for a residual condition or complication (e.g., malunion, nonunion, chronic pain, deformity) stemming from a previously sustained pathological fracture of the left fibula. The medical record should specify that the fracture was not traumatic and that the current encounter addresses a sequela.

• Always sequence the underlying disease causing the pathological fracture (e.g., osteoporosis, neoplasm) before this code.
• Do not use for acute pathological fractures; those require codes without the "S" seventh character.
• Ensure documentation explicitly states "sequela," "late effect," or describes a chronic condition directly resulting from the past pathological fracture.