Sltr-haris Type IV physl fx lower end of unsp femur, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or residual effect stemming from a Salter-Harris Type IV fracture that occurred at the growth plate (physis) of the distal femur. This specific fracture type involves both the epiphysis and metaphysis, extending through the physis. The "sequela" designation indicates that the acute injury has resolved, but the patient is now presenting for treatment of a persistent issue directly related to that past fracture.

Use this code when documenting conditions such as growth arrest, angular deformity, limb length discrepancy, or chronic pain in the knee region, which are directly attributable to a previously sustained Salter-Harris Type IV physeal fracture of the lower end of the femur. This applies when the patient is no longer in the acute or active healing phase of the original fracture.

• Always require documentation linking the current condition to the previous Salter-Harris Type IV fracture.
• Do not use this code for the initial treatment of the acute fracture; use the appropriate acute fracture code.
• Ensure the laterality (left/right) is unspecified in the documentation to align with the "unspecified femur" in the code description.