S82.031 Displaced transverse fracture of right patella

ICD-10-CM S82.031: Displaced transverse fracture of right patella

ICD-10-CM code S82.031 represents a displaced transverse fracture of the right patella. Clinical literature indicates that indirect tension through the extensor mechanism often results in transverse fractures and causes displacement. The ICD-10-CM structure provides specific encounter extensions for this diagnosis, including distinctions for initial versus subsequent care and open versus closed fractures. 1 3

Plain-language overview

Clinical literature establishes that indirect eccentric tension through the extensor mechanism often results in transverse fractures extending into the extensor retinaculum, causing fracture displacement. 1

What this code represents

The base ICD-10-CM code S82.031 denotes a displaced transverse fracture of the right patella, and the code structure includes specific extensions such as S82.031A for initial encounters and S82.031S for sequelae. 3

Coding details

The S82.031 code set distinguishes between closed fractures and open fracture types, listing S82.031A for an initial encounter for a closed fracture and S82.031C for an initial encounter for an open fracture type IIIA, IIIB, or IIIC. 3

The S82.031 code extensions differentiate subsequent healing phases, listing S82.031D for routine healing and S82.031K for nonunion during a subsequent encounter for a closed fracture. 3

Clinical context

A classification system for patellar fractures characterizes transverse fractures with displacement as a distinct fracture pattern, noting that this descriptive system provides information on the mechanism of injury but does not dictate treatment. 1

Research indicates that transverse patella fractures account for 23 percent of all patellar fractures, and displaced patella fractures treated conservatively in one study developed a 20-degree extensor lag. 2

Documentation considerations

The ICD-10-CM code extensions for S82.031 include specific descriptors for encounter timing and healing status, such as subsequent encounter for closed fracture with delayed healing. 3

What the sources add

The clinical sources describe the mechanisms and classification of patellar fractures, while the coding source provides the specific alphanumeric extensions for S82.031 that designate the encounter type and fracture openness. 1 3

Clinical literature notes that nonoperative management is indicated for minimally displaced fractures with the extensor mechanism in continuity, and displaced fractures treated nonoperatively may result in an extensor lag. 1 2

Sources

1. Bookshelf — ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; accessed 2026-07-25.
2. Evolution in the Management of Patella Fractures — pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; accessed 2026-07-25.
3. ICD-10-CM 2024 | S82.031D - Displaced transverse fracture of right patella [subsequent encounter for closed fracture with routine healing] — unboundmedicine.com; accessed 2026-07-25.