Bilateral maxilla or mandible fractures are coded in what manner according to ISS?

Bilateral maxilla or mandible fractures are coded as combined in accordance with the Injury Severity Score (ISS) system. This approach is used because when both sides of the maxilla or mandible are fractured, they are typically treated as a single event impacting the overall condition of the patient. The combined coding reflects the comprehensive nature of the injuries sustained, allowing for a more accurate assessment of the severity of the trauma.

This method of coding is important in trauma assessments where the goal is to evaluate the overall impact of multiple injuries on a patient's health status. By using a combined coding strategy, it eliminates redundancy while ensuring that the severity of bilateral injuries is effectively captured in a way that reflects the potential complications and treatment needs associated with such fractures.