Ankylosis, unspecified hand

This code signifies the pathological fusion or stiffening of a joint in an unspecified hand, leading to a loss of normal range of motion. It indicates a condition where the bones of the hand have abnormally joined together, resulting in immobility.

Use this code when documentation clearly states ankylosis of the hand, but the specific joint (e.g., carpometacarpal, metacarpophalangeal, interphalangeal) is not specified. This code is appropriate when the laterality (left or right hand) is also not documented.

• Avoid using this code if the specific joint affected by ankylosis is known; instead, select a more precise code from the M24.64- subcategory.
• Ensure documentation explicitly states "ankylosis" or "fusion" of the hand; do not infer from terms like "stiffness" alone.
• If laterality is known (left or right hand), choose the appropriate M24.641 or M24.642 code.