Displ spiral fx shaft of l femr, init for opn fx type 3A/B/C

This code signifies a severe break in the shaft of the left thigh bone, where the fracture line spirals around the bone and the broken ends are no longer aligned. It specifically indicates an open fracture, meaning the bone has broken through the skin, and is classified as a Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC, denoting significant soft tissue damage and contamination. This code is used for the initial treatment of such an injury.

This code is appropriate for documenting the initial encounter for a patient presenting with a displaced spiral fracture of the left femoral shaft that has broken through the skin. It applies when the Gustilo-Anderson classification for open fractures is determined to be Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC, indicating a high degree of soft tissue injury and potential for infection. This code would be used for the acute care and surgical management of this specific injury.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "displaced" and "spiral" fracture of the femoral shaft, and laterality (left).
• Confirm the Gustilo-Anderson classification (Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) for the open fracture is explicitly stated in the medical record.
• Verify this is the "initial encounter" for treatment of the fracture; subsequent care would use a different encounter character.