Displ transverse fx unsp patella, 7thC

This code describes a fracture of the kneecap that runs across the bone (transverse) and is no longer in its normal anatomical alignment (displaced). The injury is an open fracture, meaning the bone has broken through the skin, and is classified as a severe open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC. This specific code is used for the initial treatment of such an injury when the patella is not specified as left or right.

This code is appropriate for the initial encounter with a patient presenting with a displaced, transverse open patellar fracture, where the open wound is extensive, contaminated, or involves significant soft tissue damage (Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC). It should be used when the laterality of the patella is not documented.

• Always confirm the fracture type (transverse), displacement, and open fracture classification (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) from the physician's documentation.
• Verify that this is the patient's initial encounter for this specific injury.
• Only use this code when the documentation does not specify whether the fracture is of the left or right patella.