Disp fx of unsp tibial tuberosity, 7thR

This code describes a displaced fracture of the tibial tuberosity, an important bony prominence on the front of the shin bone where the patellar tendon attaches. This specific code is used when the fracture is an open fracture (meaning the skin was broken) of a severe type (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) and the patient is being seen for follow-up care due to the bone healing in an incorrect position (malunion).

Use this code for patients presenting for ongoing treatment of a previously sustained, displaced, open tibial tuberosity fracture (types IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) that has healed with a malunion. This would apply to encounters for physical therapy, cast changes, or surgical planning to correct the malunion.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "displaced" and "unspecified" for the tuberosity, as well as the open fracture type and the presence of malunion.
• Verify that the encounter is for subsequent care, not the initial treatment of the fracture.
• Always sequence this code after any applicable external cause codes if the cause of the injury is being reported.