Nondisp transverse fx shaft of l tibia, 7thC

This code describes a break across the shaft of the left shin bone that has not shifted out of alignment. Importantly, the fracture is open, meaning the bone has broken through the skin, and is classified as a severe open fracture (Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) according to the Gustilo-Anderson classification. This indicates significant soft tissue damage and a high risk of infection.

This code is used for the initial treatment of a patient presenting with a newly diagnosed, non-displaced transverse fracture of the left tibial shaft that is also an open fracture of Gustilo-Anderson Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC. This would apply to the emergency department visit, initial surgical repair, or first inpatient admission for this specific injury.

• Always confirm the laterality (left) and the specific fracture type (transverse, shaft) from the radiology report.
• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "nondisplaced" and the Gustilo-Anderson open fracture type (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC).
• The "C" in the seventh character indicates an initial encounter for this specific open fracture type. Subsequent care would use a different seventh character.