Displ osteochon fx unsp patella, 7thM

This code describes a specific type of knee injury involving a displaced fracture of both bone and cartilage in the kneecap. The fracture is an open wound (Type I or II), meaning the skin was broken, and it has failed to heal properly after an initial treatment. This code is used for follow-up care for this unhealed injury.

This code is appropriate for subsequent encounters when a patient presents with a previously diagnosed open osteochondral patellar fracture (Type I or II) that has not achieved bony union. This would include scenarios such as follow-up appointments for ongoing management of the nonunion, evaluation for surgical intervention to address the nonunion, or treatment of complications directly related to the unhealed fracture.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "nonunion" and "subsequent encounter" for an open fracture type I or II.
• Verify the fracture is indeed osteochondral and of the patella; do not use for other knee fractures or closed fractures.
• Always sequence this code after the primary reason for the encounter, if applicable, and consider additional codes for any associated complications or treatments.