Ankylosis, unspecified hip

This code signifies the pathological fusion or immobility of the hip joint, where the specific hip (left or right) is not documented. It indicates a severe restriction of movement, often resulting from chronic inflammation, trauma, or degenerative processes, leading to a stiff and painful joint.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states "ankylosis of the hip" but does not specify laterality. This is appropriate for cases where the physician notes hip immobility due to fusion without indicating if it's the right or left hip.

• Always query for laterality if not specified in the documentation to use a more specific code (M24.651 for right, M24.652 for left).
• Do not confuse with arthrosis or osteoarthritis, which describe joint degeneration but not necessarily complete fusion.
• Consider sequencing with underlying conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis) if they are the cause of the ankylosis.