Chronic postrheumatic arthropathy, unspecified hand

This code describes a chronic, non-inflammatory joint condition affecting the hand, characterized by deformities and subluxations that are typically reducible. It is a sequela of rheumatic fever, presenting with a distinctive, often reversible, arthropathy without significant erosive changes.

Use this code when documentation specifies Jaccoud's arthropathy or chronic postrheumatic arthropathy affecting an unspecified hand. This diagnosis is typically made based on a history of rheumatic fever and characteristic hand deformities, often without evidence of active inflammation or erosive disease.

• Ensure documentation explicitly links the arthropathy to a history of rheumatic fever.
• Distinguish from rheumatoid arthritis (M05.-, M06.-) which involves erosive changes and active inflammation.
• Specificity for laterality (left or right hand) is preferred if documented; this code is for unspecified hand.