Name of the Condition

• Other infective (teno)synovitis of the right knee
• ICD Code: M65.161

Summary

• This condition involves inflammation of the tendon sheath or synovial membrane in the right knee due to an infection, which can cause pain, swelling, and difficulty in movement.

Causes

• This type of synovitis can be caused by bacterial infections, viral infections, or other pathogens entering the synovial fluid. It may stem from injuries, surgical procedures, or systemic infections spreading to the knee joint.

Risk Factors

• Individuals with a history of knee trauma, recent knee surgery, underlying autoimmune diseases, or immunosuppression may have an increased risk of developing this condition.

Symptoms

• Common symptoms include knee pain, noticeable swelling, redness, warmth around the knee, and reduced range of motion. Patients might also experience fever if there is a systemic infection.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis typically involves physical examination, patient history, imaging tests like MRI or ultrasound to assess inflammation, and laboratory tests like synovial fluid analysis to detect infection.

Treatment Options

• Treatment may include antibiotics to treat infection, anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling, and drainage of synovial fluid if necessary. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be required.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With prompt treatment, the prognosis is generally favorable, but untreated infections can lead to joint damage. Regular follow-ups are crucial to ensure the infection is cleared and to monitor for any recurrence.

Complications

• If not properly treated, this condition can lead to chronic pain, joint stiffness, or septic arthritis, which can severely impact mobility and quality of life.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Maintaining good hygiene, promptly treating joint injuries, and managing underlying health conditions can help prevent infection. Regular exercise and a healthy diet may support joint health.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing severe knee pain, significant swelling, fever, or if symptoms do not improve with initial treatment.

Additional Resources

• Arthritis Foundation
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
• Patient support groups and forums for individuals with joint inflammatory conditions.

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure accurate documentation of the specific knee (right), type of infection, and severity to properly code this condition.
• Avoid common errors by not confusing similar conditions like non-infective synovitis or tenosynovitis of other joints.