Osteonecrosis due to previous trauma of left carpus

This code signifies the death of bone tissue in the left wrist, specifically the carpal bones, resulting from a prior traumatic injury. This avascular necrosis impairs blood supply to the bone, leading to its eventual collapse and joint dysfunction.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates osteonecrosis of the left carpus and explicitly links its etiology to a previous traumatic event. Supporting documentation would include imaging reports (e.g., MRI, X-ray) confirming avascular necrosis and patient history detailing the antecedent trauma.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "left carpus" and "previous trauma" as the cause.
• Distinguish from osteonecrosis due to other etiologies (e.g., steroid-induced, idiopathic) which have different codes.
• Code any associated pain or functional limitations separately, if documented.