Traumatic arthropathy, multiple sites

This code signifies degenerative joint disease that has developed as a direct result of a previous injury, affecting multiple anatomical locations. It represents chronic joint damage and pain stemming from trauma, rather than primary osteoarthritis or inflammatory conditions.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates post-traumatic degenerative changes in more than one joint, such as post-fracture arthritis in the knee and ankle. Supporting documentation should detail the prior traumatic event and subsequent development of arthropathy in the specified multiple sites.

• Ensure the medical record explicitly states "multiple sites" or lists at least two distinct joints affected by traumatic arthropathy.
• Do not confuse with primary osteoarthritis (M15.x, M16.x, etc.) or other specified arthropathies unless the traumatic etiology is clearly documented.
• Sequence this code after any acute injury codes if the traumatic event is still being treated, or as a primary diagnosis when the arthropathy is the focus of the encounter.