Salter-Harris Type III physeal fracture of l calcaneus, 7thB

This code describes a specific type of growth plate fracture affecting the left heel bone (calcaneus) in a pediatric patient. A Salter-Harris Type III fracture involves a break that extends through the growth plate and then turns to exit through the epiphysis, the end part of the bone. This particular injury is an open fracture, meaning the skin and soft tissues are also compromised, exposing the bone to the outside environment.

Use this code for the initial treatment of a pediatric patient presenting with an open Salter-Harris Type III fracture of the left calcaneal physis. This typically occurs following trauma where the force has caused both the specific growth plate injury and a break in the overlying skin. It is appropriate for the first encounter where definitive treatment, such as surgical intervention or initial wound care, is provided.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "left" calcaneus and "open" fracture.
• Verify the fracture is indeed Salter-Harris Type III, distinguishing it from other Salter-Harris classifications.
• Confirm this is the "initial encounter" for the fracture; subsequent care would use a different encounter character.