Oth fx low end r tibia, 7thR

This code signifies a malunion of an open fracture involving the lower end of the right tibia, specifically when the initial injury was a severe open fracture (Gustilo-Anderson type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC). Malunion indicates that the bone has healed in an unsatisfactory position, potentially leading to functional impairment.

Apply this code for follow-up encounters where a patient with a previously diagnosed severe open fracture of the distal right tibia is now presenting with evidence of malunion. This would include scenarios where imaging confirms improper alignment of the healed fracture fragments, or the patient is experiencing symptoms directly attributable to the malunion.

• Always verify the initial fracture type (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) from the patient's medical record.
• Ensure documentation clearly states "malunion" and specifies the right tibia's lower end.
• This code is for subsequent encounters; an initial encounter for the fracture would use an acute fracture code.