Nondisp longitud fx l patella, 7thQ

This code describes a left patellar fracture that extends lengthwise (longitudinal) and has not shifted out of its normal anatomical position (nondisplaced). It specifically indicates that the initial injury was an open fracture of either Type I or Type II, and that the bone has healed in an imperfect or misaligned position (malunion).

Use this code for follow-up encounters where a patient is being treated for complications arising from a previously sustained open, nondisplaced longitudinal fracture of the left patella, specifically when malunion has occurred. This would apply during ongoing management, assessment of function, or planning for corrective procedures related to the malunion.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "malunion" as the complication of the open fracture.
• Verify the laterality (left) and fracture type (nondisplaced longitudinal) are consistent with the code.
• Confirm the initial injury was an open fracture (Type I or II) as this impacts the "subsequent encounter" coding.