Disp fx of r tibial tuberosity, 7thN

This code describes a situation where the right tibial tuberosity, a bony prominence below the kneecap, has fractured and the broken pieces are no longer in their normal alignment. This specific instance indicates that the initial injury was an open fracture (meaning the skin was broken) classified as type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC, and the bone has failed to heal properly after a previous treatment attempt.

This code is used during follow-up encounters when a patient is being treated for a nonunion of a previously sustained displaced open fracture of the right tibial tuberosity. It applies when the original open fracture was severe, involving significant soft tissue damage (Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC), and the bone has not united. This would be appropriate for subsequent surgical interventions, cast changes, or evaluations related to the nonunion.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "nonunion" and the "subsequent encounter" for this specific fracture.
• Verify the original fracture was an open fracture of type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC; otherwise, a different nonunion code may be appropriate.
• Always sequence this code after any applicable external cause codes and activity codes, if known.