Displ longitud fx unsp patella, 7thH

This code describes a fracture of the kneecap that runs lengthwise, is no longer in its proper alignment, and the specific patella (left or right) is not documented. It is being treated as an open fracture (meaning the skin was broken) of either Type I or Type II, and the healing process is taking longer than expected.

This code is appropriate for follow-up encounters for patients with a previously diagnosed displaced longitudinal patellar fracture that was an open fracture. It should be used when the medical record indicates that the fracture is not healing at the expected rate and the specific patella is not specified.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "delayed healing" for this subsequent encounter.
• Verify the open fracture type (I or II) is documented; otherwise, a different code may be necessary.
• If the laterality (left or right patella) is specified in the documentation, a more specific code should be chosen.