Displ commnt fx l patella, 7thQ

This code describes a left kneecap fracture that has broken into multiple pieces and is no longer in its correct anatomical position. It specifically indicates that the patient is being seen for follow-up care of this fracture, which was initially an open fracture (meaning the skin was broken) of either type I or II, and has now healed in an unsatisfactory alignment.

Use this code for a patient presenting for ongoing management or evaluation of a previously sustained comminuted, displaced open fracture of the left patella that has resulted in malunion. This would apply to clinic visits, physical therapy evaluations, or imaging studies performed to assess the malunion or plan further intervention.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "left" patella, "displaced," "comminuted," and "malunion."
• Verify the original fracture was an "open fracture type I or II" to justify the specific subsequent encounter character.
• Do not use this code for initial treatment or if the fracture is still in the active healing phase without malunion.