Sltr-haris Type IV physeal fx lower end of r tibia, sequela

This code signifies a Salter-Harris Type IV fracture affecting the growth plate at the lower end of the right tibia, specifically indicating a long-term complication or residual effect of the original injury. This type of fracture involves both the epiphysis and metaphysis, extending through the physis. The "sequela" designation means the code is used for conditions resulting from the initial fracture, not the acute injury itself.

This code is appropriate when documenting a patient presenting with a chronic issue directly attributable to a past Salter-Harris Type IV fracture of the right distal tibia. Examples include growth arrest, angular deformity, leg length discrepancy, or chronic pain at the fracture site, occurring after the initial healing phase. It should be used when the patient is no longer in the acute or active treatment phase of the fracture.

• Always assign a sequela code (S00-T88 with a 7th character of S) for conditions that are residuals of a previous injury.
• Do not use this code for the initial or subsequent encounter for the acute fracture; those require different 7th characters.
• Ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to the prior Salter-Harris Type IV fracture of the right distal tibia.