Nondisp seg fx shaft of l femur, init for opn fx type 3A/B/C

This code describes a break in the shaft of the left thigh bone that is in multiple pieces (segmental) but remains in its normal alignment (nondisplaced). Crucially, this fracture is an open fracture, meaning the bone has broken through the skin, and is classified as a severe open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC, indicating significant soft tissue damage. This code is used for the initial treatment of such an injury.

This code is appropriate for documenting the initial encounter for a patient presenting with a left femoral shaft fracture that is both segmental and nondisplaced, and where the fracture is clearly identified as an open fracture of type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC. This would typically be used in the emergency department or during the initial hospitalization for definitive treatment.

• Ensure documentation specifies "nondisplaced" and "segmental" for the femoral shaft fracture.
• Verify the open fracture type (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) is clearly documented by the physician.
• This "C" seventh character indicates the initial encounter for this specific open fracture type.