Final answer:
It is false that multiple fractures to a single bone not specified as to location are coded as a single injury; each is typically coded separately. Fractures are defined by their complexity, location, and features, so a bone can sustain different types of fractures needing separate codes.
Step-by-step explanation:
True or False: If multiple fractures to a single bone exist but are not specified as to location, they are coded as a single injury. The statement is generally false; while I'm not a coder, my understanding is that in medical coding, each fracture is typically coded separately to reflect the complexity and specific nature of the injury, as each may require different treatment approaches. Fractures are classified by their complexity, location, and other features. For example, one might have an open transverse fracture and a comminuted fracture in the same bone, and each would usually be coded distinctly because they represent different types of damage to the bone.
A myth about bone fractures is that they can always be identified by localized pain over the break area. In reality, a broken bone can cause pain that extends far beyond the fracture site due to associated muscle or ligament injuries. It is also a myth that a bone fracture is a milder injury compared to a broken bone; in fact, a fracture is just another term for a broken bone. Similarly, full range of motion in a limb does not necessarily indicate the absence of a fracture. Bones can still be broken yet properly aligned, maintaining some movement functionality.