Rickets, active

This code represents the active phase of rickets, a metabolic bone disease characterized by defective mineralization of growing bone (osteoid) in children. It primarily results from prolonged vitamin D deficiency, leading to soft, weak bones and skeletal deformities.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates active rickets, such as evidence of bone pain, muscle weakness, growth retardation, or characteristic skeletal changes like bowed legs or enlarged wrist/ankle joints. It is appropriate for initial diagnoses and during periods of ongoing disease activity.

• Differentiate from sequelae of rickets (e.g., bone deformities after active disease has resolved), which would be coded separately.
• Ensure documentation specifies "active" to support this code; otherwise, consider other rickets codes if the active phase is not explicitly stated.
• Code any underlying cause of vitamin D deficiency (e.g., malabsorption, renal disease) as an additional diagnosis.