Sltr-haris Type I physl fx low end r femr, 7thP

This code signifies a Salter-Harris Type I fracture affecting the growth plate at the distal end of the right femur, which is currently in a healing phase but has united in an anatomically incorrect position. This type of fracture involves a separation of the epiphysis from the metaphysis through the physis, without bone involvement. The "malunion" indicates that the bone fragments have healed, but with an unacceptable degree of angulation, rotation, or shortening.

This code is used for follow-up encounters where a patient is being treated for a previously diagnosed Salter-Harris Type I fracture of the lower right femur that has healed improperly. This could include assessments for corrective surgery, physical therapy for functional limitations due to the malunion, or ongoing monitoring of the malunited fracture. It is appropriate when the initial fracture treatment is complete, but the outcome is a malunion.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "malunion" and not "nonunion" or "delayed union."
• Verify the laterality (right femur) and the specific Salter-Harris type (Type I).
• This code is for subsequent encounters; use an initial encounter code for the original injury.