ICD-10 Code L97.305 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of unspecified ankle with muscle involvement without evidence of necrosis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L97.305 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of unspecified ankle with muscle involvement without evidence of necrosis
What it is
This code identifies a chronic, non-pressure ulcer at the ankle when the wound extends into muscle but there is no necrosis. Use it for a documented ankle ulcer that is not caused by pressure injury.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include an open ankle wound with chronic tissue loss and documented muscle involvement. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for laterality, depth, and any signs of infection or ischemia.
When to use this code
Use L97.305 when the record states a chronic ankle ulcer, specifies muscle involvement, and does not describe necrosis. This is appropriate when the site is the ankle but laterality is not documented or is unspecified. Check documentation if the wound is described as a pressure ulcer, gangrene, or a different depth.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for pressure ulcers, ulcers with necrosis, or ulcers at another lower-extremity site. If the chart does not confirm muscle involvement, choose a less specific ulcer code.
Coding tip
Verify both depth and site in the provider note before assigning this code.