Nondisp commnt fx l patella, 7thR

This code describes a left patellar fracture that was initially an open fracture (Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) and is now complicated by malunion. The fracture itself is comminuted and nondisplaced. This indicates a prior surgical intervention or significant trauma with ongoing healing issues.

Use this code for a patient presenting with a previously treated open comminuted fracture of the left patella that has healed in a misaligned position. This code is appropriate for subsequent encounters where the malunion is being addressed or monitored. It signifies a complication of the healing process for a specific type of open fracture.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "left" patella and "nondisplaced comminuted" fracture.
• Verify the original injury was an "open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC" and that "malunion" is present.
• This code is for subsequent encounters; an initial encounter for the fracture would use a different code.