Displ transverse fx unsp patella, 7thN

This code signifies a transverse fracture of the patella where the bone fragments are no longer in their normal alignment, and the specific patella (left or right) is not documented. It indicates a subsequent encounter for an open fracture (meaning the skin was broken) that has progressed to nonunion, specifically of type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC, which are severe classifications of open fractures with significant soft tissue damage.

This code is appropriate for follow-up care of a patient with a previously diagnosed and treated open transverse patellar fracture that has failed to heal after the expected time frame, and the nonunion is confirmed. It applies when the initial injury was a severe open fracture, and the laterality of the patella was not specified in the documentation.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "nonunion" and specifies the open fracture type (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC).
• Verify that this is a subsequent encounter for the fracture, not the initial treatment.
• If laterality (left or right patella) is documented, a more specific code should be chosen.