Displ commnt fx l patella, 7thE

This code describes a left kneecap fracture that has broken into multiple pieces and is no longer in its normal anatomical position. It specifically indicates that the initial injury was an open fracture (meaning the skin was broken) of either Type I or Type II severity, and the patient is now in a routine healing phase following treatment.

Use this code for follow-up encounters where a patient is receiving ongoing care for a previously diagnosed displaced comminuted open fracture of the left patella. This applies when the wound was initially classified as an open fracture Type I or II, and the healing process is progressing without complications. This code would be appropriate for routine cast changes, follow-up X-rays, or physical therapy visits during the expected healing period.

• Ensure documentation specifies "displaced" and "comminuted" for the patellar fracture.
• Verify the initial injury was an "open fracture Type I or II" and that healing is "routine."
• Do not use for initial encounters or for nonunion/malunion complications.