Sltr-haris Type III physeal fx lower end of unsp tibia, init

This code signifies a specific growth plate fracture in the lower part of the shin bone (tibia) where the fracture line extends from the growth plate through the end of the bone and into the joint. It's a Salter-Harris Type III injury, indicating a partial separation of the epiphysis from the metaphysis. This particular code specifies an unspecified tibia and is for the initial treatment of a closed fracture (skin intact).

Use this code for the initial encounter of a patient presenting with a Salter-Harris Type III fracture of the distal tibia, where the specific side (left or right) is not documented. This is applicable when the fracture is closed, meaning there is no open wound communicating with the fracture site.

• Ensure documentation specifies a Salter-Harris Type III fracture of the distal tibia.
• Only use this code when the laterality (left or right) of the tibia is not specified in the medical record.
• The "A" suffix indicates an initial encounter for active treatment of the closed fracture.