2025 ICD-10-CM code M21.0
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Deletion Date: N/A Musculoskeletal - Other joint disorders Chapter 13: Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue Feed
Valgus deformity, not elsewhere classified.
Modifiers may be used to specify the laterality (right or left) of the affected limb and potentially additional circumstances of the procedure, if any.
Medical necessity for treatment of a valgus deformity is typically established by documentation of significant pain, functional limitation (difficulty walking, grasping, or other activities), and the need for intervention to alleviate these symptoms.Imaging findings and the impact of the deformity on daily living should be clearly documented.
Diagnosis and treatment of valgus deformity often involves a multidisciplinary approach.Orthopedic surgeons and other specialists may conduct physical exams, order imaging studies, and implement treatment strategies, including medication (NSAIDs), bracing, splinting, and surgery.
- Chapter 13: Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue
- Arthropathies (M00-M25); Other joint disorders (M20-M25)
In simple words: A valgus deformity is a bone condition where a bone in a joint bends outward, away from the center of your body.This can cause pain, swelling, and make it hard to move the joint.It is diagnosed with a physical exam and sometimes X-rays or an MRI.
M21.0, Valgus deformity, not elsewhere classified, refers to an abnormal outward angulation of the distal bone or bones of a limb joint, causing the limb to deviate away from the body's midline.This condition is not specified to a particular joint and excludes other specified deformities.Clinical presentation may include pain, inflammation, and restricted movement. Diagnosis involves physical examination, joint angle measurement, and imaging (X-rays, MRI).
Example 1: A 65-year-old female presents with chronic knee pain and instability, exacerbated by weight-bearing activities.Physical examination reveals a valgus deformity of the right knee, with a noticeable outward bowing of the lower leg.X-rays confirm the deformity, along with mild osteoarthritis.Treatment is initiated with physical therapy, NSAIDs, and bracing., A 12-year-old male sustains a distal tibia fracture in a bicycle accident. Following closed reduction and casting, he develops a residual valgus deformity at the ankle.Repeat X-rays show a persistent malalignment. The patient undergoes surgical correction with osteotomy to realign the ankle., A 40-year-old patient presents with a history of rheumatoid arthritis and progressive valgus deformity of the wrist. The patient experiences pain and decreased range of motion.The physician may recommend conservative management with medication, splinting, and occupational therapy, or surgical intervention depending on disease severity.
Detailed clinical history including onset, duration, and progression of the deformity;results of physical examination, including measurements of the affected joint angle; imaging studies (X-rays, MRI) demonstrating the deformity; details of the treatment plan, including medications, bracing, splinting, or surgical procedures;assessment of functional limitations and pain.
** Consider the underlying etiology of the valgus deformity when documenting and coding.Conditions like trauma, infection, arthritis, or congenital disorders can lead to valgus deformities.Appropriate additional codes may be necessary to reflect the underlying cause.
- Payment Status: Active
- Modifier TC rule: Technical component (TC) modifiers may not always apply to the diagnosis code M21.0, since it is not a procedure code.However,if related procedures are performed (e.g., surgery, imaging), appropriate modifiers are applied to procedure codes.
- Specialties:Orthopedics, Rheumatology
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (inpatient or outpatient), Ambulatory Surgical Center