Unilateral post-traumatic osteoarthritis, left knee

This code identifies degenerative joint disease affecting the left knee that developed as a direct consequence of a previous injury or trauma to that joint. It signifies a secondary form of osteoarthritis, specifically impacting only one knee due to a past traumatic event.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states osteoarthritis of the left knee is unilateral and directly attributable to a prior injury, such as a fracture, ligament tear, or meniscal damage. The patient's history should support a causal link between the trauma and the onset of arthritic changes.

• Ensure documentation explicitly links the osteoarthritis to a prior traumatic event.
• Verify laterality; this code is specific to the left knee.
• Do not use for primary osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis due to non-traumatic causes.