Nondisplaced osteochondral fracture of left patella, init

This code describes a fracture involving both the cartilage and underlying bone of the left kneecap, where the bone fragments remain in their normal anatomical alignment. It specifically indicates that this is the first time the patient is receiving active treatment for this particular injury, and the skin over the fracture is intact.

Use this code for patients presenting with a newly diagnosed, non-displaced osteochondral fracture of the left patella. This applies to initial evaluations, surgical repairs, or other active treatments for the acute injury. It is appropriate when there is no open wound communicating with the fracture site.

• Confirm the laterality (left patella) and the type of fracture (osteochondral, non-displaced) from the physician's documentation.
• Ensure "initial encounter" is appropriate, meaning the patient is receiving active treatment for the acute injury. Subsequent care would require a different encounter character.
• Verify the fracture is "closed" as documented; an open fracture would necessitate a different code.