Phlebitis and Thrombophlebitis of Popliteal Vein, Bilateral (I80.223)

Name of the Condition

• Common names: Phlebitis, Thrombophlebitis
• Medical terms: Phlebitis and Thrombophlebitis of the popliteal vein, bilateral

Summary

Phlebitis and thrombophlebitis of the popliteal vein involve inflammation and clot formation in the veins located behind the knee on both legs. This condition can cause pain, swelling, and other circulatory issues.

Causes

• Injury or trauma to the vein
• Prolonged immobility
• Infections
• Underlying medical conditions such as blood clotting disorders

Risk Factors

• Advanced age
• Sedentary lifestyle or extended periods of inactivity
• Family history of varicose veins or blood clots
• Smoking and obesity

Symptoms

• Swelling in the knee area
• Pain or tenderness in the calf
• Warmth and redness over the affected vein
• Visible enlargement of veins

Diagnosis

• Physical examination
• Ultrasound imaging to visualize the clot
• Blood tests to check for clotting disorders

Treatment Options

• Anticoagulant medications to prevent further clotting
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and inflammation
• Compression stockings to improve circulation
• In severe cases, surgical removal of the clot may be required

Prognosis and Follow-Up

With appropriate treatment, most patients recover completely. Follow-up is important to prevent complications such as chronic vein insufficiency. Regular check-ups can monitor the effectiveness of treatment and adjust as necessary.

Complications

• Pulmonary embolism if the clot dislodges and travels to the lungs
• Chronic pain and swelling
• Skin ulcers due to poor circulation

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Regular exercise to enhance leg circulation
• Avoiding prolonged periods of immobility
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Smoking cessation

When to Seek Professional Help

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden onset pain, swelling, or redness in the leg, or have difficulty breathing, which may indicate a pulmonary embolism.

Additional Resources

• American Heart Association: www.heart.org
• National Blood Clot Alliance: www.stoptheclot.org

Tips for Medical Coders

• Confirm bilateral involvement in both popliteal veins for accurate coding.
• Ensure the diagnosis is supported by clinical documentation.
• Avoid coding errors by distinguishing between phlebitis and thrombophlebitis-related codes.