Displaced osteochondral fracture of unsp patella, init

This code signifies a fracture involving both the cartilage and underlying bone of the kneecap, where the fractured fragments are not in their anatomical alignment. The specific location on the patella is not documented, and this code is used for the initial treatment of a fracture that has not broken through the skin.

Apply this code when a patient presents with a newly diagnosed, non-open osteochondral fracture of the patella, and the medical record indicates the fragments are displaced. This is appropriate for the initial evaluation and management of such an injury, prior to definitive treatment.

• Ensure documentation specifies "displaced" and "osteochondral" for accurate code assignment.
• Verify that the encounter is for the initial treatment of the fracture, not follow-up care.
• If laterality (left/right) of the patella is documented, a more specific code should be chosen.