Name of the Condition

• Other Bursitis of Hip, Left Hip (ICD Code M70.72)

Summary

• Bursitis of the hip is an inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones and soft tissues, in the hip area. This condition, specifically in the left hip, can cause pain and discomfort during movement.

Causes

• Bursitis can be caused by repetitive motion or overuse of the hip joint, direct trauma to the hip, arthritis, or an infection. It may also result from prolonged pressure on the hip.

Risk Factors

• Age (more common in older adults)
• Engaging in activities that involve repetitive hip movements
• Pre-existing conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout
• Being overweight, which adds stress to the hip joint

Symptoms

• Pain and tenderness around the outer hip area
• Swelling and warmth over the hip
• Reduced range of motion in the hip joint
• Increased pain with prolonged sitting, standing, or activity

Diagnosis

• Physical examination to check for tenderness and swelling
• Imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to rule out other conditions
• Ultrasound may be used to visualize the inflammation of the bursa
• Aspiration of the bursa fluid to check for infection or gout crystals

Treatment Options

• Rest and avoidance of activities that aggravate the condition
• Ice packs and anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen to reduce swelling
• Physical therapy to strengthen muscles around the hip and improve flexibility
• Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation
• In rare cases, surgical intervention may be considered

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With appropriate treatment, most people recover well from bursitis. Chronic bursitis may require ongoing management.
• Regular follow-ups may be necessary to monitor symptoms and adjust treatment as needed.

Complications

• Chronic pain and stiffness in the hip joint
• Limited mobility or difficulty walking
• In cases of infectious bursitis, the infection can spread if left untreated

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the hip
• Engage in regular, low-impact exercises to strengthen hip muscles
• Use protective padding to prevent injury during activities
• Gradually increase intensity of exercises to avoid overuse injuries

When to Seek Professional Help

• Persistent hip pain that doesn’t improve with home care
• Severe swelling, redness, or warmth around the hip
• Fever along with hip pain, which could indicate an infection

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (orthoinfo.aaos.org)
• Arthritis Foundation (arthritis.org)

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure accurate description and side of the body to avoid confusion with similar codes
• Double-check for any related conditions that might require additional coding
• Avoid using unspecified codes unless absolutely necessary to maintain specificity