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Tear of articular cartilage of left knee, current, sequela
ICD10CM code
#### Name of the Condition
- Tear of Articular Cartilage of Left Knee, Current, Sequela (ICD-10 Code: S83.32XS)
- Also known as a "cartilage tear in the knee."
#### Summary
- This condition involves damage to the articular cartilage in the left knee resulting from a previous injury. The term "sequela" indicates ongoing issues or symptoms stemming from the initial tear.
#### Causes
- Common causes include traumatic knee injuries from sports, falls, or accidents. Past injuries with insufficient healing can lead to sequela.
#### Risk Factors
- Engaging in high-impact sports or activities, previous knee injuries, aging (wear and tear), and conditions like osteoarthritis.
#### Symptoms
- Persistent or recurring knee pain, swelling, limited range of motion, and a feeling of the knee "locking" or "catching."
#### Diagnosis
- Physical examination, patient history, MRI or CT scans to visualize cartilage damage, and sometimes arthroscopy for direct assessment.
#### Treatment Options
- Non-surgical: Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), physical therapy to strengthen muscles.
- Surgical: In more severe cases, arthroscopic surgery may be needed to repair or remove damaged cartilage.
#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- With appropriate management, many can return to normal activities. Ongoing monitoring by a healthcare professional is crucial to prevent further injury.
#### Complications
- Untreated issues can lead to chronic pain, decreased mobility, or further joint damage including osteoarthritis.
#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Strengthening knee-supporting muscles, maintaining a healthy weight, wearing supportive footwear, and avoiding high-impact activities can help manage and prevent issues.
#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Immediate medical attention is necessary if there is a sudden increase in pain, swelling, or inability to move the knee.
#### Additional Resources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS): [https://www.aaos.org/](https://www.aaos.org/)
- Arthritis Foundation: [https://www.arthritis.org/](https://www.arthritis.org/)
#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure to use the correct character for the 'sequela' designation in coding.
- Double-check patient records for confirmation of ongoing issues due to a previous injury to avoid miscoding.