Displ transverse fx l patella, 7thR

This code signifies a left patellar fracture that runs horizontally across the bone, has shifted from its normal alignment, and was initially an open fracture with significant soft tissue damage (Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC). The current encounter addresses a complication where the bone has healed in an abnormal position, resulting in malunion.

This code is appropriate for follow-up encounters where a patient is being treated for a malunion of a previously sustained displaced transverse open fracture of the left patella. This includes surgical interventions to correct the malunion or ongoing management of its effects.

• Always verify the laterality (left) and the specific type of fracture (transverse, displaced).
• Ensure documentation clearly states the initial injury was an open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC, and that malunion is the current issue.
• This code is for a subsequent encounter; do not use for the initial treatment of the fracture or for nonunion.