Physeal arrest, lower leg, unspecified

This code describes a condition where the growth plate (physis) in the lower leg prematurely stops growing, leading to a growth disturbance. This can result in limb length discrepancy or angular deformity. The "unspecified" nature indicates that the specific bone (tibia or fibula) affected is not documented.

Use this code when documentation confirms a physeal arrest in the lower leg, but the specific bone involved (e.g., distal tibia, proximal fibula) is not identified. This diagnosis is often made based on radiographic findings showing a closed physis in a skeletally immature individual.

• Avoid using this code if the specific bone of the lower leg affected by the physeal arrest is documented; instead, use a more specific code from the M89.16- subcategory.
• Ensure documentation clearly states "physeal arrest" or "growth plate arrest" in the lower leg.
• Consider sequencing this code after any underlying cause of the physeal arrest, if known and documented (e.g., trauma, infection).