Disp fx of lateral condyle of unsp tibia, 7thC

This code signifies a break in the outer bony prominence of the shin bone (tibia) that has shifted out of its normal alignment. The fracture is open, meaning the bone has broken through the skin, and is classified as a severe open fracture (Gustilo-Anderson type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC). This code is used for the initial treatment of such an injury when the specific side (left or right) of the tibia is not documented.

Use this code for a patient presenting with a newly diagnosed, displaced open fracture of the lateral tibial condyle where the documentation specifies a Gustilo-Anderson classification of IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC, and the laterality of the injury is not recorded. This code is appropriate for the initial surgical or medical management of the fracture.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "displaced" and an "open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC."
• Only use this code when the laterality (left or right) of the tibia is truly unspecified in the medical record.
• This "C" encounter code is only for the initial treatment phase of the fracture.