Displ seg fx shaft of unsp tibia, 7thC

This code describes a specific type of tibial shaft fracture where the bone is broken into segments and the fragments are not in their normal alignment. It further specifies that the fracture is an open fracture, meaning the skin is broken, and is classified as a Gustilo-Anderson Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC, indicating significant soft tissue damage and contamination. This code is used for the initial treatment of such an injury.

Use this code for patients presenting with a newly diagnosed, displaced segmental fracture of the tibial shaft that has broken through the skin. This code is appropriate when the orthopedic surgeon documents the open nature of the fracture and specifically classifies it as a Gustilo-Anderson Type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC. It applies to the initial encounter for treatment of this acute injury.

• Ensure the documentation clearly specifies "segmental" and "displaced" for the tibial shaft fracture.
• Verify the Gustilo-Anderson classification (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) is explicitly stated by the provider for the open fracture.
• Confirm this is the initial encounter for treatment; subsequent care would use a different encounter character.