Traumatic arthropathy, left hip

This diagnosis code signifies degenerative joint disease of the left hip that has developed as a direct consequence of a prior physical injury or trauma to the joint. It represents a form of osteoarthritis where the initiating factor is a specific traumatic event, rather than primary idiopathic osteoarthritis.

Apply this code when documentation clearly links a patient's left hip arthropathy to a history of trauma, such as a fracture, dislocation, or severe sprain affecting the joint. Supporting documentation should include a history of the traumatic event and clinical findings consistent with post-traumatic degenerative changes in the left hip.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states the traumatic origin of the arthropathy; otherwise, a primary osteoarthritis code may be more appropriate.
• Do not use this code for acute injuries; it describes the chronic degenerative sequelae of trauma.
• Verify laterality (left hip) is clearly documented to avoid miscoding.