ICD-10 Code A52.77 – Syphilis of bone and joint (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code A52.77 – Syphilis of bone and joint
What it is
A52.77 identifies syphilis involving bone or joint tissue, usually as a late complication of untreated infection. Use it when documentation specifically links syphilis to skeletal or articular disease.
Clinical signs
Findings may include bone pain, joint swelling, tenderness, deformity, or destructive changes on imaging. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation.
When to use this code
Use A52.77 when the provider documents syphilitic involvement of bone, joint, or both. It may appear in records describing tertiary syphilis, gummatous disease, or skeletal complications attributable to syphilis. Confirm the site and causal relationship in the note.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for nonspecific arthritis, osteomyelitis, or bone pain without a documented syphilitic cause. Check documentation if the record does not clearly identify syphilis as the underlying condition.
Coding tip
Look for explicit provider wording such as “syphilitic arthritis” or “syphilis of bone” before assigning A52.77.