Oth fx shaft of left fibula, init for opn fx type 3A/B/C

This code signifies a fracture of the shaft of the left fibula, which is not further specified as a comminuted, transverse, or oblique fracture. It specifically indicates an open fracture where the bone has broken through the skin, categorized as Gustilo-Anderson type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC, and represents the initial treatment for this injury.

Use this code when documenting the initial encounter for a patient presenting with an open fracture of the left fibular shaft that doesn't fit more specific fracture patterns. This applies to severe open fractures with significant soft tissue damage, periosteal stripping, or arterial injury, requiring immediate surgical intervention.

• Always confirm the laterality (left fibula) and the Gustilo-Anderson classification (IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC) from the physician's documentation.
• Ensure this is the patient's first encounter for definitive treatment of this specific fracture.
• Do not use if the fracture is explicitly described as comminuted, transverse, or oblique; use the more specific codes for those types.