Displ commnt fx left patella, subs for clos fx w nonunion

This code signifies a left kneecap fracture that has broken into multiple pieces and is no longer in its proper anatomical alignment. The patient is in a later stage of treatment, and the fracture is failing to heal properly despite the bone remaining covered by skin.

Apply this code when documenting follow-up care for a patient with a previously diagnosed comminuted, displaced fracture of the left patella. This specific code is appropriate when the fracture has not united (nonunion) and the skin over the fracture site is intact. It indicates ongoing management of the nonunion.

• Ensure documentation clearly states "nonunion" and that the fracture is "closed."
• Verify laterality (left patella) is explicitly documented.
• Pair with appropriate external cause codes if the initial injury mechanism is relevant for the subsequent encounter.