2025 ICD-10-CM code M21
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Arthropathies - Other acquired deformities of limbs Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99) Feed
Other acquired deformities of limbs, excluding congenital conditions and deformities of fingers or toes.
Medical necessity for treatment of acquired limb deformities is established based on the impact of the deformity on the patient's functional abilities, pain level, and overall quality of life. Documentation must show a clear impairment of daily life activities that warrants intervention to improve mobility, reduce pain, and enhance independence. Treatment must align with generally accepted medical guidelines.
Diagnosis and treatment of acquired limb deformities fall under the responsibility of orthopedists, general practitioners, physiatrists, and potentially other specialists depending on the underlying cause and severity of the deformity. The physician will conduct a thorough examination, order necessary investigations, and develop a comprehensive treatment plan that may involve medication, physical therapy, orthotic devices, or surgical intervention.
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99)
- Arthropathies (M00-M25); Includes disorders affecting predominantly peripheral (limb) joints; Other joint disorders (M20-M25)
In simple words: This code describes problems with the arms or legs that aren't present from birth.These deformities might be caused by an injury, surgery, or a medical condition and can make everyday tasks difficult. Doctors will examine you, take X-rays or other scans, and may do blood tests to determine the best treatment, which may include exercises, braces, medication, or surgery.
M21 in ICD-10-CM classifies other acquired deformities of the limbs.These are malformations of the arms and legs and their parts resulting from injury, surgery, muscle, joint, or bone disorders, or other non-inherited factors that impair routine activities.The condition may present with pain, inflammation, numbness, tingling, and difficulties with grasping, walking, or balance. Diagnosis involves patient history, physical examination, imaging (X-rays), and potentially blood tests. Treatment options range from physical therapy and orthotic devices (splints or orthoses) to medication for pain and inflammation, and surgery in severe cases.
Example 1: A patient presents after a motorcycle accident with a fractured femur that has healed with a significant deformity, causing gait instability and pain.M21 is used to code the resulting limb deformity., A patient with long-standing rheumatoid arthritis develops severe joint contractures in the hands and wrists, restricting their ability to perform activities of daily living. M21 is used to code this acquired deformity., A patient undergoes surgery to correct a severe clubfoot, but post-operative scar tissue formation results in a residual foot deformity that interferes with ambulation.M21 would code this acquired deformity.
Detailed patient history documenting the onset and progression of the deformity, including the underlying cause (if known);Physical examination findings describing the location, extent, and severity of the deformity;Imaging studies (X-rays, CT scans, MRI) showing the bony or soft tissue abnormalities;Laboratory results (if any) relevant to the underlying cause;Treatment notes documenting interventions such as physical therapy, medication, orthotics, or surgical procedures.
** This code should only be used when the limb deformity is acquired (not congenital).It's crucial to differentiate between acquired and congenital deformities for accurate coding.When possible, identify and code the underlying cause of the deformity using an additional code.Consult the ICD-10-CM manual for the most current guidelines.
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- Specialties:Orthopedics, Rheumatology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, General Practice
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient and Outpatient), Ambulatory Surgical Center, Physical Therapy Clinic