Displ seg fx shaft of unsp tibia, 7thM

This code describes a complex injury involving a tibia that has broken into three or more pieces (segmental fracture) in the main shaft of the bone, with the broken ends not properly aligned (displaced). The skin and soft tissue were initially broken, exposing the bone (open fracture, Type I or II), and the bone has failed to heal properly after the initial treatment (nonunion).

Use this code for follow-up encounters where a patient is being treated for a previously diagnosed segmental, displaced open fracture (Type I or II) of the tibial shaft that has developed a nonunion. This applies when the patient is receiving ongoing care for the nonunion, such as further surgical intervention, casting, or other management strategies.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies a segmental fracture, displacement, and the initial open nature (Type I or II) of the injury.
• Confirm the encounter is for the management of a nonunion, not initial treatment or routine follow-up of a healing fracture.
• Always sequence this code with an external cause code if applicable, and any associated complications.