Displaced comminuted fracture of left patella, init

This code signifies a severe fracture of the left kneecap where the bone has broken into multiple fragments and the pieces are no longer in their normal alignment. It indicates the very first time this specific injury is being treated, and the skin over the fracture site remains intact.

Apply this code for a patient presenting with a newly diagnosed, multi-fragmented fracture of the left patella that requires reduction or surgical intervention. This is appropriate for the initial evaluation and management of such an injury, prior to any definitive treatment.

• Confirm documentation specifies "left" patella and "comminuted" fracture with "displacement."
• Ensure the encounter is the "initial" treatment for this specific fracture, not a follow-up.
• Verify the fracture is "closed" (no open wound communicating with the fracture site).