Open wound of hand except finger(s) alone, with tendon involvement

This code signifies an open injury to the hand, excluding isolated finger injuries, where there is damage to one or more tendons. This typically involves a break in the skin exposing underlying tissues, including the tendons responsible for hand movement.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates an open wound of the hand (palm, dorsum, wrist area) with explicit mention of tendon involvement. This would include lacerations, avulsions, or punctures that have severed or damaged tendons, often requiring surgical repair.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "tendon involvement" and not just a deep laceration.
• Distinguish carefully from open wounds of the finger(s) alone, which would be coded differently.
• Look for operative reports detailing tendon repair to confirm appropriate use of this code.