Sltr-haris Type I physl fx lower end of unsp tibia, sequela

This code signifies a Salter-Harris Type I fracture affecting the growth plate at the distal end of the tibia, where the bone separates from the epiphysis. "Unspecified" indicates the laterality (left or right) is not documented. "Sequela" means this code is used for conditions that are residual effects or complications of a previous acute injury, not the initial acute fracture itself.

This code is appropriate when documenting a long-term complication or chronic condition directly resulting from a past Salter-Harris Type I fracture of the distal tibia. Examples include growth arrest, angular deformity, or leg length discrepancy that developed after the initial fracture healed. It should not be used for the initial acute injury.

• Always assign an external cause code (V00-Y99) in conjunction with this code to describe the circumstances of the original injury.
• Ensure documentation clearly supports the "sequela" status, indicating a chronic or residual condition rather than an acute event.
• If laterality (left or right tibia) is specified in the documentation, a more specific code should be used.