Nondisplaced comminuted fracture of left patella, init

This code signifies a fracture of the left kneecap that has broken into three or more pieces (comminuted) but where the bone fragments remain in their anatomical position (nondisplaced). It specifically indicates that the skin over the fracture is intact (closed fracture) and this is the initial treatment for the injury.

Use this code for patients presenting with a newly diagnosed, comminuted, and nondisplaced fracture of the left patella. This applies to emergency department visits, initial orthopedic consultations, or admissions for the immediate management of such an injury.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "left" patella and "nondisplaced" and "comminuted" fracture type.
• Verify the encounter is for the initial treatment of the fracture, not a follow-up or subsequent care.
• Confirm the fracture is "closed" (skin intact) to differentiate from open fractures.