Path fx in neopltc dis, unsp tibia & fibula, 7thP

This code signifies a fracture of an unspecified tibia and/or fibula that occurred due to an underlying neoplastic (cancerous) process, which is currently being treated for a malunion. A malunion indicates that the fracture has healed, but in an unsatisfactory position or alignment.

Apply this code when a patient with a known neoplastic disease presents for follow-up care or treatment of a tibial or fibular fracture that has healed incorrectly. Documentation should clearly state a pathological fracture due to neoplasm, specify the tibia/fibula, and confirm the presence of a malunion during a subsequent encounter.

• Always sequence the underlying neoplasm code first, as it is the etiology of the pathological fracture.
• Ensure documentation specifies "malunion" and not "nonunion" (which has a different code series).
• Verify laterality (left, right) if specified in the documentation; this code is for an unspecified side.