Other physeal fracture of upper end of unsp tibia, sequela

This code describes a long-term complication or late effect stemming from a physeal fracture (growth plate fracture) in the proximal (upper) part of an unspecified tibia. The initial injury has healed, but the patient is now experiencing residual problems directly attributable to that past fracture.

This code is used when documenting a current condition that is a direct consequence of a previously sustained physeal fracture of the upper tibia. Examples include growth disturbances, angular deformities, leg length discrepancies, or chronic pain at the fracture site, occurring after the initial healing period. It should be assigned for follow-up encounters addressing these persistent issues.

• Always assign this "S" code as a secondary diagnosis, following the code for the specific sequela (e.g., M21.06 for valgus deformity of tibia).
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the previous physeal fracture of the upper tibia.
• Do not use this code for acute or subacute fractures; it is exclusively for late effects.