Displ oblique fx shaft of l rad, 7thR

This code describes a specific type of healing complication following an open fracture of the shaft of the left radius. Specifically, it indicates that the bone has healed in an abnormal position (malunion) after an initial injury where the bone broke through the skin, classified as a severe open fracture (Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC). This code is used during follow-up care for this healing complication.

Apply this code when documenting subsequent encounters for a patient who previously sustained a severe open oblique fracture of the left radial shaft and is now presenting with evidence of malunion. This would be appropriate for follow-up appointments, physical therapy, or surgical planning related to correcting the malunion. Do not use this code for the initial fracture treatment or for routine follow-up without evidence of malunion.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "malunion" and the "subsequent encounter" for this specific open fracture type.
• Verify the laterality (left radius) and the specific fracture type (oblique shaft fracture) are accurately documented.
• This code requires an additional code for the specific type of open fracture (e.g., T81.89XA for other complications of procedures, not elsewhere classified, if the malunion is a complication of the initial treatment).