Name of the Condition

• Osteochondritis Dissecans of the Right Knee
• Often referred to as OCD lesion in the knee

Summary

• Osteochondritis dissecans is a joint condition where a piece of cartilage and the underlying bone become loose. This can cause pain and potentially hinder joint movement, often affecting active young people and adolescents.

Causes

• The exact cause of osteochondritis dissecans is unknown, but it is thought to result from repeated stress or trauma to the joint, reducing blood flow to the affected area of bone.

Risk Factors

• Activities involving running and jumping, such as sports
• Adolescence, particularly ages 10-20
• Gender, with males being more commonly affected
• A genetic predisposition to joint problems can potentially be a factor

Symptoms

• Pain in the knee, often during or after physical activity
• Swelling and tenderness around the knee joint
• A feeling of the knee "giving way"
• Reduced range of motion in the knee joint
• Popping or locking sensation in the knee

Diagnosis

• Physical examination by a healthcare provider
• Imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to evaluate the extent of the condition and the position of the bone fragment

Treatment Options

• Rest and avoidance of activities that cause stress on the knee, often the initial step
• Physical therapy to improve strength and range of motion
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief
• Surgical treatments include arthroscopic surgery to remove or reattach the loose fragment if conservative measures fail

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Most young patients recover with conservative treatment, but some may require surgery
• Recovery time varies, potentially several months for complete healing
• Regular follow-up is essential to monitor healing, particularly if surgery was involved

Complications

• Degenerative joint disease or arthritis if the condition or resulting joint damage is severe
• Chronic pain or persistent joint instability if untreated

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Maintaining a balanced diet and healthy weight to reduce joint stress
• Incorporating exercises that strengthen muscles around the knee
• Using protective gear during activities to prevent knee injuries

When to Seek Professional Help

• Persistent knee pain or swelling affecting daily activities
• Any symptoms of knee locking, instability, or loss of range of motion

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS): orthoinfo.aaos.org
• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS): niams.nih.gov

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure correct laterality is recorded as the condition can affect either knee; use M93.261 for the right knee
• Review imaging results and surgical reports to confirm diagnosis and treatment details
• Avoid common errors like coding without specifying the affected knee or using a generic code that doesn't capture the specific anatomic location.