Displaced comminuted fx shaft of unsp tibia, sequela

This code signifies a healed or residual condition resulting from a displaced comminuted fracture of the shaft of an unspecified tibia. It indicates that the initial acute injury has resolved, but the patient continues to experience symptoms or complications directly attributable to the previous fracture.

Apply this code when documenting ongoing issues such as malunion, nonunion, chronic pain, functional limitation, or hardware-related problems following a displaced comminuted tibial shaft fracture. This is appropriate for follow-up encounters after the initial healing phase, where the sequela is the primary reason for the visit.

• Use this code only for the sequela of the fracture, not for the initial acute injury or during the active healing phase.
• Always code the specific nature of the sequela (e.g., malunion, nonunion, pain) in addition to this code.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the previous displaced comminuted tibial shaft fracture.