Ankylosis, unspecified shoulder

This code signifies the pathological fusion or stiffening of a shoulder joint, resulting in significant loss of range of motion. It indicates a condition where the joint has become immobile due to disease or injury, without specifying the laterality of the affected shoulder.

Use this code when documentation clearly states ankylosis of the shoulder but does not specify whether it is the right or left shoulder. This is appropriate for cases where the provider has not indicated laterality, or when the medical record refers to a general shoulder ankylosis without further anatomical detail.

• Avoid using this code if laterality (right or left shoulder) is documented; instead, select the more specific code.
• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "ankylosis" or a similar term indicating joint fusion/immobility, not just stiffness or limited range of motion.
• Consider if an underlying cause for the ankylosis is documented, as this may require an additional code for the etiology.