Path fx in oth dis, unsp tibia & fibula, 7thK

This code signifies a pathological fracture of an unspecified tibia or fibula that has failed to heal properly (nonunion) and is being addressed during a subsequent encounter. This type of fracture occurs due to an underlying disease weakening the bone, rather than from trauma. The patient is receiving ongoing care for this unhealed fracture.

Use this code for patients presenting for follow-up treatment of a pathological fracture of the lower leg (tibia or fibula) where the fracture has not united. Documentation should clearly indicate a nonunion and that the fracture's origin is pathological, not traumatic. This code is appropriate when the patient is past the initial active treatment phase.

• Ensure documentation specifies "pathological fracture" and "nonunion" for the tibia or fibula.
• Verify the encounter is for subsequent care, not initial treatment or routine follow-up of a healed fracture.
• Always sequence the underlying disease causing the pathological fracture (e.g., osteoporosis, neoplasm) before this code.