Name of the Condition

• Peripheral Tear of Medial Meniscus, Right Knee, Initial Encounter (ICD-10 Code: S83.221A)

Summary

• A peripheral tear of the medial meniscus refers to a tear along the outer edge of the cartilage in the knee, affecting the right knee in this context. This type of injury commonly occurs during sports or activities that involve pivoting or sudden stops.

Causes

• Trauma to the knee due to twisting or pivoting motions.
• Degenerative changes in the knee joint over time.

Risk Factors

• Active participation in sports, especially those involving quick turns or squatting.
• Older age, due to wear and tear on knee cartilage.
• Previous knee injuries that may compromise joint stability.

Symptoms

• Pain on the inner side of the knee.
• Swelling or stiffness in the joint.
• Difficulty bending or straightening the knee fully.
• A popping sensation during the injury.

Diagnosis

• Physical examination by a healthcare provider, assessing the knee's range of motion and stability.
• Imaging tests, such as MRI, to visualize the tear and assess its severity.

Treatment Options

• Non-surgical treatments include rest, ice, compression, elevation, and physical therapy to strengthen the knee.
• Surgical intervention, such as arthroscopic repair, may be necessary for severe tears to restore knee function.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Many patients recover well with appropriate treatment but may require several weeks to months for complete healing.
• Regular follow-up appointments are important to monitor progress and adjust treatment if necessary.

Complications

• Chronic knee pain or instability if the tear is not adequately treated.
• Increased risk of osteoarthritis in the affected knee.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Regular strength and flexibility exercises for knee support.
• Using proper techniques and equipment in sports to minimize injury risk.
• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on the knee joints.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Severe knee pain or inability to move the knee.
• Swelling or inflammation that does not improve with home care.
• Frequent giving way of the knee joint.

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) - OrthoInfo.org
• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases - NIAMS.nih.gov

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure correct laterality coding by confirming if the condition affects the right knee.
• Verify that this code is used for initial encounters for this injury type.
• Avoid coding errors by distinguishing between acute injuries and chronic or degenerative meniscus issues.