In simple words: This code describes a broken left forearm bone (radius) that has not healed properly after a previous injury.The break is angled, and the bone was originally exposed through a skin wound.

Displaced oblique fracture of the shaft of the left radius, which is the larger of the two forearm bones, refers to a break line that runs diagonally across the central portion of the radius. This is commonly a result of a combination of bending and twisting forces, caused by sudden or blunt trauma, motor vehicle accidents, or sports activities. Type I or II refers to the Gustilo classification and indicates fractures with anterior or posterior radial head dislocation and minimal to moderate soft tissue damage due to low energy trauma. This code applies to the subsequent encounter for an open fracture exposed through a tear or laceration of the skin caused by displaced fracture fragments or external injury that fails to unite.

Example 1: A patient presents for a follow-up visit after sustaining an open, displaced oblique fracture of the left radius in a motor vehicle accident. The fracture was initially treated with external fixation, but it has not healed properly, meeting the criteria for nonunion., A patient initially sustained a displaced, open oblique fracture of their left radius during a fall. The fracture was classified as Gustilo type II due to moderate soft tissue damage. The patient is seen for a subsequent encounter due to ongoing pain and evidence of nonunion on imaging., A patient who experienced a displaced oblique, open fracture of the left radial shaft now presents for a follow-up appointment, complaining of persistent pain and limited range of motion. Radiographic imaging reveals a type I open fracture with nonunion.

Documentation should include details of the initial injury, treatment provided, evidence of nonunion (e.g., x-rays, CT scan), Gustilo classification (Type I or II), and any associated soft tissue injuries.