Displaced comminuted fracture of shaft of unsp fibula, init

This code describes a severe break in the main part of the fibula bone, where the bone has shattered into multiple fragments and the broken pieces are no longer in their normal alignment. It specifically indicates that this is the first time the patient is receiving active treatment for this particular injury, and the skin over the fracture site remains intact.

Use this code for patients presenting with a newly diagnosed, comminuted fracture of the fibular shaft that is visibly displaced on imaging. This applies to initial encounters for treatment, such as emergency department visits, initial orthopedic consultations, or hospital admissions for the acute injury.

• Confirm documentation specifies "displaced" and "comminuted" for the fibular shaft.
• Ensure the encounter is for initial treatment of the fracture, not follow-up care.
• This code is for a closed fracture; if the skin is broken, a different code indicating an open fracture is required.