Unilateral post-traumatic osteoarthritis, left hip

This code signifies osteoarthritis affecting the left hip joint that developed as a direct consequence of a previous injury or trauma to that hip. It indicates that only one hip is affected by this post-traumatic degenerative joint disease.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states a diagnosis of post-traumatic osteoarthritis specifically in the left hip. This diagnosis should be supported by a history of trauma to the left hip and clinical/radiological findings consistent with osteoarthritis.

• Ensure documentation specifies "post-traumatic" and laterality (left hip) to differentiate from primary or other secondary forms of osteoarthritis.
• Do not use for bilateral involvement; a different code would be required for both hips.
• Consider sequencing this code after an acute injury code if the trauma is recent and the osteoarthritis is a direct sequela.