Secondary osteoarthritis, left ankle and foot

This diagnosis code signifies degenerative joint disease affecting the left ankle and/or foot, which has developed as a consequence of another underlying condition, such as trauma, infection, or a congenital deformity. It indicates that the osteoarthritis is not primary (idiopathic) but rather a secondary manifestation of a pre-existing issue.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states "secondary osteoarthritis" of the left ankle and/or foot, often following a history of injury, inflammatory arthritis, or structural abnormality. Supporting documentation should identify the underlying cause if known, though this code specifically captures the secondary nature of the osteoarthritis.

• Always code the underlying cause of the secondary osteoarthritis first, if known and still active, followed by this code.
• Distinguish carefully between primary (M19.072) and secondary osteoarthritis; documentation must specify "secondary."
• Ensure laterality is correctly identified (left vs. right vs. bilateral).