Arthrodesis status

This code indicates that a patient has a history of a surgical fusion of a joint, meaning the bones that formed the joint have been permanently joined together. This procedure is typically performed to stabilize a painful or unstable joint, eliminate motion, and relieve pain.

Apply this code when documenting a patient's current health status following a previous arthrodesis procedure, regardless of the specific joint involved. It is used to signify the presence of a fused joint as a relevant part of the patient's medical history or current condition.

• Always assign this code as a secondary diagnosis, as it describes a historical surgical state rather than an active disease.
• Do not use this code for a patient who is currently undergoing an arthrodesis procedure; instead, code the acute condition requiring the surgery.
• If the specific joint fused is relevant, consider adding an additional code for the anatomical site if available and clinically indicated.