Other displaced dens fracture, init encntr for open fracture

This code signifies a fracture of the dens (odontoid process) of the C2 vertebra, where the fractured bone fragments are not in their normal anatomical alignment. It specifically indicates that the skin and soft tissue overlying the fracture site have been broken, exposing the bone to the outside environment, and that this is the initial treatment encounter for the injury.

Apply this code for patients presenting with an acute, open, displaced fracture of the dens. Documentation should clearly state "open fracture," "displaced," and specify the dens or odontoid process as the fracture site. This code is appropriate for the initial hospital admission or outpatient visit for definitive treatment of the open fracture.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "open fracture" to differentiate from closed fractures.
• Verify "displaced" is documented; non-displaced dens fractures use different codes.
• The "B" seventh character indicates an initial encounter for an open fracture; subsequent encounters will use different seventh characters.