Traumatic arthropathy, left ankle and foot

This code signifies a degenerative joint disease of the left ankle and/or foot that has developed as a direct consequence of a prior physical injury. It represents a chronic condition characterized by joint pain, stiffness, and structural changes resulting from the initial trauma.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a history of trauma to the left ankle or foot, followed by the development of arthritic changes in that specific joint. This diagnosis is appropriate for conditions like post-traumatic osteoarthritis affecting the talocrural, subtalar, or midfoot joints on the left side.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly links the arthropathy to a previous traumatic event.
• Do not use for primary osteoarthritis or inflammatory arthropathies without a clear traumatic etiology.
• Specify laterality (left) as indicated; codes for right or unspecified sides exist.