Disp fx of unsp tibial spin, 7thR

This code signifies a fracture of the tibial spine, which is a bony prominence on the top of the tibia within the knee joint, that has not healed correctly (malunion). The fracture is displaced, meaning the bone fragments are not in their normal anatomical alignment. This specific code is for an open fracture (skin broken) of a severe nature (Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) and is used during the recovery phase after initial treatment.

Use this code when documenting a patient presenting for follow-up care of a previously treated, severe open tibial spine fracture that has developed malunion. This applies to situations where the patient is still receiving active treatment for the malunion, such as physical therapy, medication management, or surgical planning for corrective osteotomy. It is appropriate for encounters occurring after the initial acute treatment of the fracture.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "malunion" and not "nonunion" or "delayed union" as these have different codes.
• Verify the original fracture was classified as an open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC.
• This is a "subsequent encounter" code; do not use for initial treatment of the fracture.