Wear of artic bearing surface of int prosth l knee jt, init

This diagnosis code signifies the deterioration of the articular bearing surface within a prosthetic left knee joint due to normal wear and tear. This wear can lead to pain, decreased range of motion, and instability, necessitating further medical evaluation and potential intervention. It specifically identifies the left knee and indicates the initial presentation of this issue.

This code is appropriate for documenting a patient's first encounter for symptoms or findings related to the wearing down of the articulating components of their implanted left knee prosthesis. This includes patients presenting with new onset pain, grinding sensations, or functional limitations directly attributable to the prosthetic wear. It would be used when the patient is initially being evaluated for this specific complication.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "left knee" and "articular bearing surface wear" of the internal prosthetic.
• Confirm this is the initial encounter for the wear complication; subsequent encounters would use a different seventh character.
• Distinguish from other prosthetic complications like mechanical loosening or infection, which have separate codes.