ICD-10 Code L97.905 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of unspecified part of unspecified lower leg with muscle involvement without evidence of necrosis (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L97.905 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of unspecified part of unspecified lower leg with muscle involvement without evidence of necrosis
What it is
This code identifies a chronic, non-pressure ulcer on an unspecified lower leg where the wound extends to muscle, but there is no documented tissue death. Use it when the site is not further specified in the record.
Clinical signs
Clinical features vary; refer to documentation. Typical findings include a persistent open wound on the lower leg with exposed or involved muscle and no evidence of necrosis.
When to use this code
Use L97.905 when the provider documents a chronic lower-leg ulcer, the laterality or exact location is not specified, and muscle involvement is stated. The record should also support that the ulcer is non-pressure and non-necrotic.
If the note only says “ulcer” without depth, location, or chronicity, check documentation before coding. This code is appropriate when the description fits a chronic wound of the lower leg and no more specific code is available.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for pressure ulcers, acute wounds, or ulcers with documented necrosis. Check documentation if the ulcer site is more specific, such as ankle, heel, or calf.
Coding tip
Verify both depth and anatomic site first; if the record does not confirm muscle involvement or lower-leg location, do not assign L97.905.