Displ seg fx shaft of l fibula, 7thN

This code describes a situation where a patient has a displaced fracture in the shaft of their left fibula, specifically a segmental break. The fracture is an open type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC, indicating significant soft tissue damage and potential contamination. This particular code is used for follow-up care when the fracture has failed to heal properly, resulting in a nonunion.

Use this code for subsequent encounters with a patient who has previously sustained a displaced segmental open fracture (type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) of the left fibula shaft, and the physician documents that the fracture has not united. This applies to ongoing treatment, such as further surgical intervention, bone grafting, or prolonged immobilization, aimed at achieving union.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "nonunion" and the open fracture type (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC).
• Verify the laterality is "left" and the fracture is "segmental" and "displaced" in the fibula shaft.
• This code is for subsequent encounters; initial treatment would use the appropriate initial encounter code.