Post-traumatic osteoarthritis, left ankle and foot

This code signifies degenerative joint disease affecting the left ankle and/or foot, specifically resulting from a prior traumatic injury. This condition involves the breakdown of cartilage and bone changes within the joint(s) following an acute physical insult, such as a fracture, sprain, or dislocation.

Apply this code when documentation clearly links the patient's osteoarthritis of the left ankle or foot to a previous injury. This typically requires a history of trauma to the affected joint(s) and radiographic evidence consistent with post-traumatic degenerative changes. Use when the physician explicitly diagnoses "post-traumatic osteoarthritis" of the left ankle/foot.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "post-traumatic" to differentiate from primary or secondary osteoarthritis.
• Do not use for osteoarthritis due to other causes (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, metabolic disorders) or for acute injuries.
• Consider sequencing this code after an external cause code (V00-Y99) if the original trauma is still being treated or is relevant to the current encounter.