Displ commnt fx unsp patella, 7thN

This code describes a severely fragmented fracture of the kneecap that has shifted out of its normal alignment. It specifically indicates that the fracture is an open injury (meaning the bone broke through the skin) of a severe type (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) and has failed to heal properly, resulting in a nonunion.

Use this code for a patient presenting for ongoing treatment of a previously diagnosed, displaced comminuted patellar fracture that was initially an open fracture of type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC, and is now complicated by nonunion. This applies to follow-up visits, cast changes, or further surgical interventions addressing the nonunion.

• Always confirm the fracture type (open IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) and the nonunion status from the physician's documentation.
• Ensure the encounter is for subsequent care, not the initial treatment of the fracture.
• Verify laterality if specified, as this particular code is for an unspecified patella.