Oth fx shaft of l tibia, 7thN

This code signifies a fracture of the shaft of the left tibia, excluding the malleoli, that is not healing as expected (nonunion). It specifically applies when the initial injury was an open fracture classified as type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC, indicating significant soft tissue damage and contamination. This code is used during follow-up care after the initial treatment of the fracture.

Use this code for patients presenting for ongoing management of a left tibial shaft fracture that has failed to unite, and the original injury was a severe open fracture. This includes situations where surgical intervention for nonunion is being planned or has been performed, or during conservative management of the nonunion. It is appropriate for any encounter after the initial treatment of the acute fracture.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "nonunion" and the "left tibia shaft."
• Verify the original fracture was an open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC.
• This code is for subsequent encounters, not the initial treatment of the acute fracture.