Nondisp longitud fx unsp patella, 7thR

This code describes a patellar fracture that runs lengthwise (longitudinal) and is not displaced, meaning the bone fragments are still in their normal alignment. This specific code is used when the fracture was an open fracture (skin broken) of a severe type (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) and is now healing incorrectly, resulting in a malunion. The location of the patella is not specified.

Use this code for follow-up encounters where a patient with a previously treated, severe open longitudinal patellar fracture is experiencing complications with healing, specifically malunion. This indicates that the bone has healed in an abnormal position or alignment. This code would be appropriate for documenting ongoing management or surgical correction of the malunion.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "malunion" as the complication of the healing fracture.
• Verify the original injury was an open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC, as this is a specific requirement for this code.
• This code is for subsequent encounters, not the initial treatment of the fracture.