Post-traumatic osteoarthritis, right hand

This code signifies degenerative joint disease of the right hand that develops as a direct consequence of a previous injury or trauma. It describes the chronic arthritic changes, such as cartilage loss and bone spurs, occurring in the hand joints following a specific traumatic event.

Apply this code when documentation clearly links osteoarthritis of the right hand to a prior injury, such as a fracture, dislocation, or severe sprain. The patient's history should explicitly state the traumatic event preceding the onset of arthritic symptoms in the right hand.

• Ensure documentation specifies "post-traumatic" and laterality (right hand) to differentiate from primary or secondary osteoarthritis.
• Code the underlying cause of the trauma (e.g., fracture, sprain) if still active and relevant to the current encounter.
• Do not use for osteoarthritis without a documented history of trauma to the affected joint.