Loose body in left hip

This code signifies the presence of a detached fragment of cartilage, bone, or other tissue within the synovial joint space of the left hip. These loose bodies, also known as joint mice, can cause mechanical symptoms such as locking, catching, pain, and effusion. Their presence can impede normal joint movement and contribute to degenerative changes.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states the presence of a loose body in the left hip joint. This often occurs following trauma, osteochondritis dissecans, or degenerative joint disease. Supporting documentation includes imaging reports (e.g., X-ray, MRI, CT) confirming the loose body, and physician notes detailing associated symptoms and physical exam findings.

• Always specify laterality (left or right hip); do not use unspecified codes if laterality is known.
• Consider coding any underlying conditions contributing to the loose body, such as osteoarthritis or osteochondritis dissecans, as secondary diagnoses.
• Differentiate from foreign body in joint, which typically refers to exogenous material introduced from outside the body.