Fracture of unsp carpal bone, unsp wrist, init for opn fx

This code signifies an open fracture of any of the eight carpal bones in the wrist, where the specific carpal bone involved is not documented. An open fracture indicates a break in the skin overlying the fracture, exposing the bone to the outside environment. This code is used for the initial treatment of such an injury.

Apply this code when a patient presents with an open wrist fracture, and the operative report or imaging report does not specify which of the carpal bones (e.g., scaphoid, lunate, triquetrum) is fractured. This is also appropriate when the laterality (left or right wrist) is not documented. It is specifically for the initial encounter for treatment.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "open fracture" and that the specific carpal bone is not identified.
• Do not use if a specific carpal bone (e.g., scaphoid) is documented as fractured; instead, use a more specific code.
• This code is for the initial encounter only; subsequent encounters will require a different seventh character.