Displ artic fx head of l femur, subs for clos fx w nonunion

This code signifies a fracture involving the joint surface of the head of the left femur, where the bone fragments are no longer in their normal alignment. The fracture has failed to heal properly, resulting in a nonunion, and the patient is presenting for follow-up care or treatment after the initial encounter.

Apply this code when documenting subsequent treatment for a patient with a previously diagnosed displaced articular fracture of the left femoral head that has not united. This includes visits for ongoing management of the nonunion, such as evaluation for surgical intervention, cast changes, or monitoring of healing progress.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "nonunion" and that the fracture is "displaced" and "articular."
• Verify laterality (left femur) is explicitly documented.
• This code is for subsequent encounters; an initial encounter would use a different seventh character.