Charcot's joint, left ankle and foot

This code describes Charcot's arthropathy, a progressive degenerative joint disease resulting from nerve damage, specifically affecting the left ankle and foot. It is characterized by joint destruction, deformity, and instability due to loss of proprioception and pain sensation. This condition is most commonly associated with diabetes mellitus.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates a diagnosis of Charcot's joint affecting the left ankle and/or foot. Supporting documentation should include clinical findings such as joint deformity, instability, radiographic evidence of bone and joint destruction, and a history of neuropathy (e.g., diabetic neuropathy).

• Always specify laterality (left, right, bilateral) when documented.
• Code any underlying conditions, such as diabetes mellitus (E08-E13 with fourth character .40-.49), as a primary or secondary diagnosis.
• Distinguish from other forms of arthropathy or osteomyelitis, which have different ICD-10-CM codes.