M77.11 Lateral epicondylitis, right elbow

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Lateral Epicondylitis, Right Elbow
- Commonly known as "Tennis Elbow"

#### Summary
Lateral epicondylitis, often referred to as "Tennis Elbow," is a painful condition that occurs when the tendons in your elbow are overloaded, usually by repetitive motions of the wrist and arm. It particularly affects the outer part of the elbow.

#### Causes
The condition is typically caused by overuse of the elbow, particularly from repetitive wrist extension or forearm supination activities common in sports like tennis, hence the name. Other contributing factors can include repetitive work-related wrist and arm motions.

#### Risk Factors
- Engaging in sports or occupations requiring repetitive arm and wrist movements.
- Age, with people between 30-50 years being more susceptible.

#### Symptoms
- Pain and tenderness on the outer part of the elbow.
- Weak grip strength.
- Pain may worsen with forearm activity, such as lifting, gripping, or twisting.

#### Diagnosis
- Physical examination to evaluate pain and tenderness.
- Imaging tests like MRI or X-rays to rule out other conditions but are not always necessary.

#### Treatment Options
- Rest and activity modification to reduce strain on the elbow.
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to decrease pain and inflammation.
- Physical therapy to improve strength and flexibility.
- Use of braces or forearm straps.
- In severe cases, surgery might be considered to remove the damaged tendon tissue.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
With proper management, symptoms often improve over several weeks to months. Regular follow-up with a healthcare provider is important to monitor progress and modify treatment as needed.

#### Complications
Ignoring symptoms can lead to chronic pain and further degeneration of the tendon, making it more challenging to treat.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Incorporating elbow-strengthening exercises.
- Using proper equipment and techniques in sports and repetitive work.
- Ergonomic modifications at the workplace to reduce strain.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Severe pain that does not improve with rest.
- Difficulty using the arm for routine activities.
- Noticeable swelling or bruising in the elbow area.

#### Additional Resources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure the laterality is correctly identified as the right elbow.
- Avoid confusion with similar conditions by correctly noting the specifics of the tendon and location.
- Verify any accompanying conditions or treatments, such as surgical interventions, that may need additional coding.

Similar Codes