Charcot's joint, left hip

This code signifies a neuropathic arthropathy affecting the left hip joint, characterized by progressive joint destruction due to loss of sensation and repetitive microtrauma. It is a severe complication of underlying neurological conditions, often diabetes, leading to joint instability, deformity, and potential infection.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates Charcot's arthropathy specifically affecting the patient's left hip. This diagnosis is typically supported by clinical examination findings of joint instability, swelling, and deformity, along with imaging studies (X-rays, MRI) demonstrating characteristic joint destruction.

• Ensure documentation specifies "left hip" to support this laterality-specific code.
• Always code the underlying neurological condition (e.g., diabetes mellitus with neurological complications, tabes dorsalis) as the primary diagnosis, followed by this code.
• Differentiate from other forms of degenerative arthritis or osteonecrosis of the hip, which have distinct etiologies and coding.