Nondisp seg fx shaft of unsp tibia, 7thC

This code describes a fracture of the tibial shaft that is broken in at least two places (segmental) but where the bone fragments remain in their normal alignment (nondisplaced). It specifically indicates an open fracture, meaning the skin and soft tissue are compromised, and is further classified as a severe open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC according to the Gustilo-Anderson classification. This code is for the initial treatment of the injury.

Use this code for a patient presenting for the first time with a segmental fracture of the tibia, confirmed to be nondisplaced, and where the associated open wound is severe enough to be classified as Gustilo-Anderson type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC. This applies to the initial hospital admission or encounter for definitive treatment of the fracture.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "nondisplaced" and "segmental" for the tibial shaft fracture.
• Verify the Gustilo-Anderson classification (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) for the open fracture is explicitly stated in the physician's notes.
• Confirm this is the patient's initial encounter for this specific injury to justify the "C" seventh character.