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  2. ICD-10-CM Codes List
  3. C00–D49
  4. C40-C41
  5. Malignant neoplasm of bone and articular cartilage of limbs (C40)

Malignant neoplasm of bone and articular cartilage of limbs (C40)

This set of ICD-10 codes C40 captures malignant tumors originating in the bones and articular cartilage of the limbs. These include cancers affecting both upper and lower limbs, with specific codes differentiating locations such as the scapula, long bones, and short bones.

The segment includes codes like C40.0 for malignant neoplasms of the scapula and long bones of the upper limb, and C40.2 for similar tumors in the long bones of the lower limb. For example, C40.00 addresses unspecified upper limb bones like the scapula, humerus, or ulna, covering conditions also known as Primary Ewing sarcoma, osteosarcoma, or chondrosarcoma of limb bones. Codes C40.10 and C40.30 refer to short bones in the upper and lower limbs respectively, including bones of the hand and foot such as the metacarpals and phalanges. There are also codes for overlapping tumor sites (C40.8) and unspecified limb bones (C40.9). Understanding these codes helps medical coders precisely document malignancies of limb bones, which are often known by terms like "bone cancer of limb," "bone sarcoma," or specific sarcoma types, ensuring accurate classification for treatment and reporting purposes.

  • Neoplasms (C00–D49)

    • Malignant neoplasms of bone and articular cartilage (C40-C41)

        • Malignant neoplasm of bone and articular cartilage of limbs (C40)

        • C40 Malignant neoplasm of bone and articular cartilage of limbs
        • C40.0 Malignant neoplasm of scapula and long bones of upper limb
        • C40.00 Malignant neoplasm of scapula and long bones of unspecified upper limb
        • C40.01 Malignant neoplasm of scapula and long bones of right upper limb
        • C40.02 Malignant neoplasm of scapula and long bones of left upper limb
        • C40.1 Malignant neoplasm of short bones of upper limb
        • C40.10 Malignant neoplasm of short bones of unspecified upper limb
        • C40.11 Malignant neoplasm of short bones of right upper limb
        • C40.12 Malignant neoplasm of short bones of left upper limb
        • C40.2 Malignant neoplasm of long bones of lower limb
        • C40.20 Malignant neoplasm of long bones of unspecified lower limb
        • C40.21 Malignant neoplasm of long bones of right lower limb
        • C40.22 Malignant neoplasm of long bones of left lower limb
        • C40.3 Malignant neoplasm of short bones of lower limb
        • C40.30 Malignant neoplasm of short bones of unspecified lower limb
        • C40.31 Malignant neoplasm of short bones of right lower limb
        • C40.32 Malignant neoplasm of short bones of left lower limb
        • C40.8 Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of bone and articular cartilage of limb
        • C40.80 Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of bone and articular cartilage of unspecified limb
        • C40.81 Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of bone and articular cartilage of right limb
        • C40.82 Malignant neoplasm of overlapping sites of bone and articular cartilage of left limb
        • C40.9 Malignant neoplasm of unspecified bones and articular cartilage of limb
        • C40.90 Malignant neoplasm of unspecified bones and articular cartilage of unspecified limb
        • C40.91 Malignant neoplasm of unspecified bones and articular cartilage of right limb
        • C40.92 Malignant neoplasm of unspecified bones and articular cartilage of left limb

Instructional Notations

Use Additional Code

The “use additional code” indicates that a secondary code could be used to further specify the patient’s condition. This note is not mandatory and is only used if enough information is available to assign an additional code.

  • code to identify major osseous defect, if applicable M89.7

Clinical Terms

The following clinical terms provide additional context, helping users better understand the clinical background and common associations for each diagnosis listed in this section. Including related terms alongside ICD-10-CM codes supports coders, billers, and healthcare professionals in improving accuracy, enhancing documentation, and facilitating research or patient education.

Chondromalacia Patellae

A degeneration of the ARTICULAR CARTILAGE of the PATELLA, caused by a decrease in sulfated MUCOPOLYSACCHARIDES in the ground substance. When accompanied by pain, it is sometimes considered part of or confused with PATELLOFEMORAL PAIN SYNDROME.

Patella

The flat, triangular bone situated at the anterior part of the KNEE.

Patella Fracture

Fractures of the PATELLA.

Patellar Dislocation

Displacement of the PATELLA from the femoral groove.

Patellar Ligament

A band of fibrous tissue that attaches the apex of the PATELLA to the lower part of the tubercle of the TIBIA. The ligament is actually the caudal continuation of the common tendon of the QUADRICEPS FEMORIS. The patella is embedded in that tendon. As such, the patellar ligament can be thought of as connecting the quadriceps femoris tendon to the tibia, and therefore it is sometimes called the patellar tendon.