Displ commnt fx unsp patella, 7thR

This code signifies a complex, multi-fragmented break of the kneecap that is no longer in its proper anatomical alignment. It specifically indicates that the fracture was an open injury, classified as type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC, and has subsequently healed incorrectly, resulting in a malunion.

This code is appropriate for follow-up encounters where a patient is being treated for complications arising from a previously sustained open comminuted patellar fracture that has healed in an unsatisfactory position. It applies when the initial injury involved significant soft tissue damage, as categorized by Gustilo-Anderson types IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC, and the current issue is the resulting malunion.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "malunion" as the reason for the subsequent encounter, not nonunion or delayed union.
• Verify the original fracture was explicitly documented as an "open comminuted patella fracture" and the Gustilo-Anderson classification (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) was noted.
• This code is for subsequent encounters; an initial encounter for the acute fracture would use a different code.