Oth fx low end l tibia, 7thN

This code signifies a non-healing fracture located at the lower end of the left tibia, excluding the malleolus. Specifically, it indicates that the initial injury was an open fracture of severe type (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) and the patient is now presenting for follow-up care related to the ongoing failure of the bone to unite.

Apply this code for patients who have previously been treated for a severe open fracture of the distal left tibia (excluding the malleolus) and are now being seen for complications related to nonunion. This would include scenarios where surgical intervention for nonunion is being planned or performed, or during ongoing conservative management of the nonunion.

• Always sequence this code after the appropriate external cause code, if applicable, to fully describe the injury.
• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "nonunion" and the "lower end of the tibia" (not malleolus) for accurate code assignment.
• Verify the original fracture was an open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC, as this detail is crucial for correct code selection.