Unsp fx upr end l tibia, 7thN

This code signifies a persistent failure of an open fracture of the upper part of the left tibia to heal, specifically when the initial injury was a severe open fracture (Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC). "Nonunion" indicates that the bone ends have not united after a sufficient healing period, requiring further medical intervention.

Apply this code during follow-up encounters for patients previously diagnosed with an open fracture of the proximal left tibia (Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) who are now presenting with documented nonunion. This is used when the patient is receiving active treatment for the nonunion, such as surgical intervention or prolonged immobilization.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "nonunion" and the initial fracture was an open fracture of the upper left tibia, type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC.
• Verify this is a subsequent encounter for treatment of the nonunion, not the initial injury.
• Do not use if the fracture is closed or if the open fracture type is not specified as IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC.