Malar fracture, left side, 7thK

This code signifies a fracture of the left malar bone (cheekbone) that has failed to heal properly after initial treatment. Nonunion indicates that the bone ends have not united and healing has ceased, requiring further medical intervention.

Apply this code when a patient presents for follow-up care of a previously treated left malar fracture that is now complicated by nonunion. Documentation should clearly state "nonunion" of the left malar fracture and indicate that this is not the initial treatment encounter.

• Ensure documentation specifies "left side" and "nonunion" for accurate code selection.
• Distinguish from malar fractures that are healing normally (subsequent encounter for routine healing) or initial treatment.
• Always sequence this code as the primary diagnosis when the nonunion is the focus of the encounter.