Displ oblique fx shaft of l tibia, 7thC

This code signifies a fracture of the main part of the left shin bone that is angled and has shifted out of its normal alignment. The fracture is an open type, meaning the bone has broken through the skin, and is classified as a severe open fracture (Gustilo-Anderson type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC). This specific code is used for the initial treatment phase of this injury.

Apply this code when documenting the initial diagnosis and treatment for a patient presenting with a displaced, oblique fracture of the shaft of their left tibia that is also an open fracture of Gustilo-Anderson type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC. This would be used for the first encounter related to the fracture, such as in an emergency department or during initial hospitalization.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "displaced" and "oblique" for the fracture morphology.
• Verify the Gustilo-Anderson classification (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) is explicitly stated in the medical record for the open fracture.
• This "C" seventh character indicates an initial encounter for this specific fracture type; subsequent care would require a different seventh character.