M87.231

Billable

Osteonecrosis due to previous trauma of right radius

HCC Category Mapping

V28HCC 92 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis

0.209

V24HCC 39 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis

0.482

ESRDHCC 39 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis

0.000

RxHCCHCC 80 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis

0.000

What This Code Means

Death of bone tissue in the right forearm bone (radius) caused by a previous injury.

Coding Tips

•The radius is the lateral bone of the forearm; ensure correct anatomical site is documented
•Differentiate from M87.234-236 which code for ulna involvement

Clinical Significance

Post-traumatic osteonecrosis of the radius can severely impact forearm function and grip strength, often requiring complex reconstructive procedures. This condition indicates failure of bone healing following trauma and represents a significant complication requiring specialized orthopedic management.

Documentation Requirements

✓Clear documentation of previous trauma to the right radius
✓Imaging evidence of osteonecrosis (MRI, bone scan, or advanced imaging)
✓Clinical examination showing right forearm/wrist dysfunction
✓Exclusion of other causes of osteonecrosis (medication-induced, idiopathic)
✓Documentation of pain, swelling, or limited range of motion
✓Provider statement linking trauma to current necrotic process
✓Timeline establishing chronologic relationship between injury and necrosis
✓Assessment of functional limitations in right upper extremity

Commonly Confused Codes

M87.033 — Idiopathic osteonecrosis of unspecified radius (no trauma history)S52.501A — Unspecified fracture of the lower end of right radius (acute trauma)M86.031 — Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis of right radius (infection)M87.331 — Other secondary osteonecrosis of right radius (non-traumatic cause)M25.531 — Pain in right wrist (symptom without structural pathology)

Code Hierarchy

└M87Osteonecrosis └M87.2Osteonecrosis due to previous trauma └M87.23Osteonecrosis due to previous trauma of radius, ulna and carpus └M87.231Osteonecrosis due to previous trauma of right radius

└M87.231Osteonecrosis due to previous trauma of right radius