Name of the Condition

• Other Specified Disorders of Tendon, Left Shoulder, also known as Tendon Disorders of the Left Shoulder.

Summary

• This condition refers to a group of tendon disorders specifically affecting the left shoulder, not categorized under more common shoulder tendon conditions like tendinitis or rotator cuff tears. It may involve inflammation, degeneration, or other tendon abnormalities.

Causes

• The condition can be caused by repetitive strain, acute injury, overuse of the shoulder, or degenerative changes associated with aging.

Risk Factors

• Common risk factors include advancing age, repetitive overhead activities, sports participation (especially those involving the shoulder, such as tennis or swimming), and previous shoulder injuries.

Symptoms

• Patients may experience shoulder pain, especially with movement, reduced range of motion, weakness, and swelling or tenderness in the affected area.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis can involve a physical examination by a healthcare professional, imaging tests like X-rays or MRI to view the tendons and rule out other conditions, and sometimes ultrasound.

Treatment Options

• Treatment may include rest, physical therapy to strengthen shoulder muscles, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief, corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation, and in severe cases, surgery to repair damaged tendons.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With appropriate treatment, many patients experience relief from symptoms and improved shoulder function. Regular follow-up is important to monitor progress, and in some cases, ongoing physical therapy may be needed to maintain shoulder strength and flexibility.

Complications

• If left untreated, the condition can lead to chronic pain, persistent dysfunction, or increased risk of rotator cuff tears or tendon rupture.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• To prevent the condition, individuals should perform regular shoulder-strengthening exercises, avoid repetitive overhead activities, and take frequent rest breaks when engaging in tasks that stress the shoulder.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Seek medical attention if shoulder pain persists for more than a few days, significantly affects daily activities, or is accompanied by sudden swelling, severe pain, or inability to move the shoulder.

Additional Resources

• Arthritis Foundation: [arthritis.org]
• American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine: [sportsmed.org]

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure specificity by noting the left shoulder involvement to use ICD code M67.814 correctly.
• Avoid errors by distinguishing between general tendon disorders and those specifically in the left shoulder, as indicated by documentation.