Traumatic arthropathy, right wrist

This code signifies a degenerative joint disease of the right wrist that has developed as a direct consequence of a previous injury or trauma to the joint. It indicates chronic arthritic changes, such as pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, stemming from an acute or repetitive traumatic event affecting the right wrist.

Apply this code when documentation clearly links the patient's right wrist arthropathy to a specific past trauma, such as a fracture, dislocation, or severe sprain. It is appropriate for chronic conditions where the traumatic etiology is explicitly stated or strongly implied in the medical record, differentiating it from osteoarthritis of unknown cause.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states the traumatic origin of the arthropathy and specifies the right wrist.
• Do not use this code for primary osteoarthritis of the wrist without a documented traumatic history.
• Consider sequencing this code after an acute injury code if the traumatic event is recent and the arthropathy is a developing complication.