Closed fracture of malar and maxillary bones

This code signifies a non-displaced or minimally displaced fracture of the cheekbone (malar bone, also known as the zygoma) and the upper jawbone (maxilla) where the skin and underlying soft tissues remain intact. It indicates a break in these facial bones without an open wound communicating with the fracture site.

Apply this code for patients presenting with a closed fracture involving both the malar and maxillary bones, typically resulting from blunt force trauma to the midface. Documentation should clearly state "closed fracture" and specify involvement of both the malar and maxillary bones, often confirmed by imaging studies such as X-rays or CT scans.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "closed" to differentiate from open fractures, which are coded differently.
• Verify that both the malar and maxillary bones are fractured; if only one is involved, a more specific code should be selected.
• Do not use this code if the fracture is described as open or if there is an associated intracranial injury that would require separate coding.