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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM87.27

M87.27

Billable

Osteonecrosis due to previous trauma, ankle, foot and toes

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M87.27 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of osteonecrosis due to previous trauma, ankle, foot and toes.

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 M87.27, the osteonecrosis is specifically attributed to previous trauma affecting the ankle, foot, and toes. This condition can occur following fractures, dislocations, or other significant injuries that compromise the vascular supply to the bone. The affected areas may experience pain, swelling, and limited mobility, and if left untreated, osteonecrosis can lead to joint collapse and severe disability. Diagnosis typically involves imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI to assess the extent of bone damage and to rule out other conditions such as osteomyelitis, which is an infection of the bone. Treatment options may include conservative management, such as rest and pain relief, or surgical interventions like core decompression or joint replacement, depending on the severity of the condition and the patient's overall health.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires understanding of the relationship between trauma and osteonecrosis.
  • Differentiation from other conditions like osteomyelitis.
  • Need for accurate documentation of previous trauma.
  • Potential for multiple affected sites (ankle, foot, toes).

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the traumatic event.
  • Misdiagnosis or confusion with 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 detailing findings related to osteonecrosis.

Common Clinical Scenarios

MRI findings of avascular necrosis, differential diagnosis with osteomyelitis.

Billing Considerations

Accurate interpretation of imaging studies is crucial for proper coding.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M87.27 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, M87
  • 27 should be used when osteonecrosis is specifically due to previous trauma
  • Coders must ensure that the documentation supports the diagnosis and that the trauma is clearly linked to the osteonecrosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M87.27 When
  • Exclusion criteria include conditions that do not involve previous trauma

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 indication for procedure and patient response.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic specialists often perform this procedure.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, improving the ability to track and manage this condition. M87.27 provides clarity in coding for cases related to trauma, enhancing data accuracy for treatment outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of osteonecrosis, improving the ability to track and manage this condition. M87.27 provides clarity in coding for cases related to trauma, enhancing data accuracy for treatment outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement and to avoid claim denials.

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 coded as M87.27?

The primary cause is previous trauma that disrupts blood supply to the bone, leading to necrosis.