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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM87.273

M87.273

Billable

Osteonecrosis due to previous trauma, unspecified ankle

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/17/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 M87.273 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of osteonecrosis due to previous trauma, unspecified ankle.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Osteonecrosis, also known as avascular necrosis, is a condition characterized by the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply. In the case of M87.273, the osteonecrosis is specifically attributed to previous trauma affecting the ankle region. This condition can arise after fractures, dislocations, or other significant injuries that compromise the vascular supply to the bone. The ankle joint, being a weight-bearing joint, is particularly susceptible to the effects of osteonecrosis, leading to pain, limited mobility, and potential joint degeneration. Clinically, patients may present with symptoms such as localized pain, swelling, and difficulty bearing weight on the affected ankle. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI, which can reveal changes in bone density and structure indicative of necrosis. Treatment options may include conservative management with pain relief and physical therapy, or surgical interventions such as core decompression or joint replacement in advanced cases. Understanding the underlying cause of osteonecrosis is crucial for effective management and prevention of further complications.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires accurate documentation of previous trauma history
  • Differentiation from other types of osteonecrosis
  • Potential for co-morbid conditions affecting the ankle
  • Need for precise imaging results to support diagnosis

Audit Risk Factors

  • Insufficient documentation of trauma history
  • Lack of imaging studies to support diagnosis
  • Inconsistent clinical notes regarding symptoms
  • Failure to document treatment plans and follow-ups

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed history of trauma, imaging results, and treatment plans.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Post-traumatic osteonecrosis following ankle fractures or sprains.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the trauma is clearly documented and linked to the osteonecrosis.

Radiology

Documentation Requirements

Clear imaging reports indicating the presence of osteonecrosis.

Common Clinical Scenarios

MRI findings showing bone marrow edema and necrosis.

Billing Considerations

Radiologists should specify the location and extent of necrosis in reports.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M87.273 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M87
  • 273 should be used when the osteonecrosis is specifically due to previous trauma and the ankle is the affected site
  • It is important to document the cause and any relevant clinical findings to support the use of this code

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M87.273 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

20610CPT Code

Arthrocentesis, aspiration and/or injection into a major joint or bursa

Clinical Scenario

Used for pain management in osteonecrosis cases.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure and the joint involved.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should ensure proper coding for joint injections.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, enabling better tracking of conditions related to trauma and improving the accuracy of treatment data.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, enabling better tracking of conditions related to trauma and improving the accuracy of treatment data.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, enabling better tracking of conditions related to trauma and improving the accuracy of treatment data.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary cause of osteonecrosis in this code?

The primary cause of osteonecrosis coded as M87.273 is previous trauma to the ankle, which disrupts blood flow to the bone.