Disp fx of shaft of oth metacarpal bone, init for opn fx

This code signifies a break in the long, central part (shaft) of any metacarpal bone other than the first (thumb) metacarpal, where the bone fragments are not properly aligned. It specifically indicates that the skin and soft tissue overlying the fracture site have been compromised, exposing the bone to the external environment. This is the initial encounter for this type of injury.

This code is appropriate for the initial treatment of a patient presenting with an open fracture of the shaft of a metacarpal bone (excluding the thumb). This includes scenarios such as a crush injury or direct trauma where the bone has pierced the skin, or an open wound directly exposing the fracture. It should be used for the first time the patient is seen for this specific injury.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "displaced" and "open fracture" of the metacarpal shaft.
• Verify that the fracture is not of the thumb metacarpal (first metacarpal).
• Confirm this is the initial encounter for treatment of this specific fracture. Subsequent encounters will require a different seventh character.