Displ oblique fx shaft of humerus, left arm, init for opn fx

This code signifies a fracture of the main part (shaft) of the left upper arm bone (humerus) that runs diagonally across the bone and is no longer in its normal alignment. It also indicates that the skin and soft tissue overlying the fracture site have been broken, exposing the bone to the outside environment. This specific code is used for the initial treatment of such an injury.

Apply this code for a patient presenting for the first time with a left humeral shaft fracture that is both displaced and open. This would include situations where the bone has pierced the skin or there's a wound communicating with the fracture site. It is appropriate for the initial surgical repair or other definitive treatment.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "left" arm and "displaced" and "oblique" fracture type.
• The "B" seventh character indicates an initial encounter for an open fracture, meaning the patient is receiving active treatment for the injury.
• Always code an external cause code (e.g., W00-Y38) in conjunction with this fracture code to describe the circumstances of the injury.