Displ commnt fx unsp patella, 7thJ

Displaced comminuted fracture of unspecified patella, subsequent encounter for open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC with delayed healing

📋Clinical Description

This code describes a patellar (kneecap) fracture that has broken into multiple pieces and is no longer in its normal anatomical position. It specifically indicates that the fracture was an open injury (skin broken) of a severe type (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) and is currently in a phase of delayed healing, meaning it's taking longer than expected to mend.

🎯When to Use

Use this code for follow-up encounters with a patient who sustained a severe open comminuted patella fracture (Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) and is experiencing delayed healing. This applies when the patient is receiving ongoing treatment, such as cast changes, wound care, or monitoring for bone union, and the fracture has not yet fully consolidated.

💡Coding Tips

Ensure documentation clearly specifies "delayed healing" for this subsequent encounter.
Verify the original injury was an open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC.
Do not use for initial encounters or for fractures healing normally.

AI-generated reference — verify against official guidelines

Code Hierarchy

▲S82.043Displaced comminuted fracture of unspecified patella

S82.043J(current)

Crosswalks

V54.16ApproxICD-9

Same Category

S82Fracture of lower leg, including ankle S82.0Fracture of patella S82.00Unspecified fracture of patella S82.001Unspecified fracture of right patella S82.001AUnsp fracture of right patella, init for clos fx