Displ longitud fx unsp patella, 7thR

This code describes a patellar fracture that runs lengthwise, is no longer in its correct anatomical position, and the specific side (left or right) of the patella is not documented. It indicates that the patient is receiving follow-up care for this fracture, which was initially an open fracture of a severe type (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC), and has healed in an unsatisfactory or deformed alignment.

Use this code for a patient presenting for ongoing treatment, such as physical therapy, follow-up imaging, or surgical planning, for a previously sustained, severely open, and malunited longitudinal patellar fracture where the laterality is not specified. This code is appropriate when the fracture has already undergone initial treatment and is now in a healing phase with a documented malunion.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "subsequent encounter" and specifies a malunion.
• Confirm the original fracture was an open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC.
• Only use this code when the laterality (left or right patella) is not specified in the medical record.