M25.461 Effusion, right knee

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Common Name: Knee Effusion
- Medical Term: Effusion, Right Knee

#### Summary
Knee effusion, often referred to as "water on the knee," involves excess fluid accumulation in or around the knee joint, leading to swelling and discomfort.

#### Causes
- Injury or trauma to the knee
- Arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Infections or inflammatory conditions
- Overuse or strain on the knee joint

#### Risk Factors
- Age, especially middle-aged and older adults
- History of knee injury or surgery
- Obesity, which adds stress to the knee joints
- Participation in high-impact sports or repetitive knee activities

#### Symptoms
- Swelling around the knee
- Pain or discomfort, especially when moving the knee
- Limited range of motion
- Warmth and redness in the affected area

#### Diagnosis
- Physical examination
- Imaging tests like X-ray, MRI, or ultrasound
- Joint aspiration (arthrocentesis) to analyze the fluid

#### Treatment Options
- Rest and elevation to reduce swelling
- Ice packs to manage pain and inflammation
- Anti-inflammatory medications like NSAIDs
- Aspiration of excess fluid
- Physical therapy to strengthen knee muscles
- In severe cases, surgical intervention

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- Prognosis depends on the underlying cause; many cases resolve with proper treatment.
- Regular follow-up is important to monitor recovery and prevent recurrences.

#### Complications
- Chronic pain or stiffness
- Reduced mobility or knee function
- Risk of infection if untreated

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Maintain a healthy weight to minimize knee strain
- Regular low-impact exercise to strengthen the knee
- Use knee protection during sports or activities
- Avoid repetitive stress on the knee

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Severe pain or swelling that doesn't improve with home care
- Signs of infection such as fever, redness, or warmth
- Difficulty bearing weight on the knee

#### Additional Resources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) [aaos.org](https://www.aaos.org)
- Arthritis Foundation [arthritis.org](https://www.arthritis.org)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure the correct laterality (right knee for ICD code M25.461) is captured.
- Cross-reference with any associated conditions like arthritis or injury to provide comprehensive coding.
- Avoid miscoding by double-checking the specific knee and type of effusion documented.

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