Post-traumatic osteoarthritis, unspecified site

This code signifies osteoarthritis that develops as a direct consequence of a prior injury, where the specific anatomical location of the affected joint is not documented. It represents degenerative joint disease initiated or exacerbated by trauma, rather than primary (idiopathic) osteoarthritis.

Use this code when the medical record clearly links the osteoarthritis to a previous injury, but the physician's documentation does not specify the affected joint (e.g., "post-traumatic OA"). Supporting documentation would include a history of trauma to an unspecified joint followed by the development of osteoarthritic symptoms.

• Avoid using this code if the specific joint affected by post-traumatic osteoarthritis is documented; instead, use the more specific code for that joint.
• Do not use this code for primary osteoarthritis (M15-M19.90) or secondary osteoarthritis due to other causes (e.g., M19.2-).
• Ensure the documentation explicitly states a causal link between trauma and the osteoarthritis; a mere history of trauma without a stated connection is insufficient.