Lower Joints (0S) ICD-10-PCS
The 0S body system covers Medical and Surgical procedures on lower joints, with 6,794 ICD-10-PCS codes across 16 root operations, 6,762 of them billable in fiscal year 2026. Each root operation defines a distinct procedural objective, and the info icons show the official definition with a preview of the codes inside.
Root Operations in This Body System 16 operations · 6,794 codes
| Chars 1–3 | Root Operation | Codes | Billable |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0S2 | ChangeTaking out or off a device from a body part and putting back an identical or similar device in or on the same body part without cutting or puncturing the skin or a mucous membrane | 6 | 4 |
| 0S5 | DestructionPhysical eradication of all or a portion of a body part by the direct use of energy, force or a destructive agent | 134 | 132 |
| 0S9 | DrainageTaking or letting out fluids and/or gases from a body part | 398 | 396 |
| 0SB | ExcisionCutting out or off, without replacement, a portion of a body part | 266 | 264 |
| 0SC | ExtirpationTaking or cutting out solid matter from a body part | 134 | 132 |
| 0SG | FusionJoining together portions of an articular body part rendering the articular body part immobile | 788 | 786 |
| 0SH | InsertionPutting in a non-biological appliance that monitors, assists, performs or prevents a physiological function but does not physically take the place of a body part | 506 | 504 |
| 0SJ | InspectionVisually and/or manually exploring a body part | 178 | 176 |
| 0SN | ReleaseFreeing a body part from an abnormal physical constraint by cutting or by use of force | 178 | 176 |
| 0SP | RemovalTaking out or off a device from a body part | 1,270 | 1,268 |
| 0SQ | RepairRestoring, to the extent possible, a body part to its normal anatomic structure and function | 178 | 176 |
| 0SR | ReplacementPutting in or on biological or synthetic material that physically takes the place and/or function of all or a portion of a body part | 422 | 420 |
| 0SS | RepositionMoving to its normal location or other suitable location all or a portion of a body part | 434 | 432 |
| 0ST | ResectionCutting out or off, without replacement, all of a body part | 42 | 40 |
| 0SU | SupplementPutting in or on biological or synthetic material that physically reinforces and/or augments the function of a body part | 438 | 436 |
| 0SW | RevisionCorrecting, to the extent possible, a portion of a malfunctioning device or the position of a displaced device | 1,422 | 1,420 |
The info icon shows the official root operation definition and previews the codes in that range.
About the 0S Body System
The ICD-10-PCS root operations for the Lower Joints in the Medical and Surgical section relate to various procedural actions on joint-related body parts. These operations describe specific interventions on lower joint structures aimed at treatment, diagnosis, or restoration.
Examples include Change (0S2), where a device is removed and replaced without cutting the skin; Destruction (0S5), which physically eradicates part of a joint using energy or force; and Drainage (0S9), removing fluids or gases. Procedures like Excision (0SB) and Resection (0ST) involve cutting out parts of the joint, with excision removing a portion, and resection removing the entire body part without replacement. Fusion (0SG) immobilizes joint parts by joining them together. Other operations include Insertion (0SH) of devices, Inspection (0SJ) for visual exploration, and Repair (0SQ) to restore normal joint function. These codes provide precise documentation of various surgical interventions on lower joints, essential for accurate clinical coding and patient care tracking.
Questions About This Page
How many codes are in the 0S body system?
The 0S body system contains 6,794 ICD-10-PCS codes in FY 2026, organized into 16 root operations. 6,762 of them are billable on inpatient claims.
What is a root operation?
The root operation is the third character of every ICD-10-PCS code and names the objective of the procedure. Drainage takes fluid out, Excision cuts out a portion of a body part, and Resection removes all of one. Picking the right root operation is the central skill of PCS coding, so each one above carries its official CMS definition.
Related References
Source: CMS FY 2026 ICD-10-PCS order file and code tables, effective October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026.
