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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM87.26

M87.26

Billable

Osteonecrosis due to previous trauma, tibia and fibula

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M87.26 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of osteonecrosis due to previous trauma, tibia and fibula.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Osteonecrosis of the tibia and fibula is a condition characterized by the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply, often resulting from previous trauma such as fractures or dislocations. This condition can lead to severe pain, limited mobility, and potential joint dysfunction. The tibia and fibula are critical weight-bearing bones in the lower leg, and their necrosis can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. The pathophysiology involves the interruption of blood flow to the bone, leading to cellular death and subsequent structural collapse. Patients may present with symptoms such as localized pain, swelling, and tenderness, particularly during weight-bearing activities. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as MRI or X-rays, which can reveal changes in bone density and structure. 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. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial to prevent further complications and preserve function.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of osteonecrosis and its causes.
  • Differentiation from other bone conditions like osteomyelitis.
  • Need for precise documentation of prior trauma.
  • Potential for co-morbid conditions affecting coding.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of prior trauma.
  • Misclassification of osteonecrosis as osteomyelitis.
  • Failure to document the severity of symptoms.
  • Lack of imaging studies to support diagnosis.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Post-fracture complications, chronic pain management, surgical interventions.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the relationship between trauma and osteonecrosis.

Radiology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive imaging reports indicating necrotic changes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

MRI findings of osteonecrosis, differential diagnosis with other bone lesions.

Billing Considerations

Accurate interpretation of imaging to support coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M87.26 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding osteonecrosis, ensuring accurate documentation of the cause (trauma) and affected sites (tibia and fibula)
  • Include any relevant co
  • morbid conditions that may affect treatment and outcomes

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M87.26 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 reason for the procedure and the joint involved.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists should ensure clear linkage between the procedure and the diagnosis.

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 the condition and its treatment outcomes. M87.26 provides a clear distinction based on the cause of the condition, which aids in clinical research and quality reporting.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, enabling better tracking of the condition and its treatment outcomes. M87.26 provides a clear distinction based on the cause of the condition, which aids in clinical research and quality reporting.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, enabling better tracking of the condition and its treatment outcomes. M87.26 provides a clear distinction based on the cause of the condition, which aids in clinical research and quality reporting.

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 M87.26 is previous trauma, which disrupts blood supply to the bone, leading to necrosis.