Post-traumatic osteoarthritis, unspecified wrist

This code signifies degenerative joint disease of the wrist that develops as a sequela to a prior traumatic injury. It indicates chronic pain, stiffness, and functional impairment in the wrist joint due to cartilage breakdown and bone changes following trauma, without further specification of the exact wrist affected.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states "post-traumatic osteoarthritis of the wrist" and does not specify laterality (left or right). Supporting documentation should include a history of wrist trauma and clinical findings consistent with osteoarthritis. This code is appropriate when the provider has not specified the affected wrist.

• Ensure documentation explicitly links the osteoarthritis to a previous traumatic event.
• Avoid using this code if laterality (left or right wrist) is documented; instead, use the more specific codes M19.131 or M19.132.
• Sequence this code after the acute injury code if the trauma is still being treated, or as the primary diagnosis if the osteoarthritis is the main reason for the encounter.