ICD 10 CM M00.021 | Description & Clinical Information
ICD 10 M00.021 describes a specific type of arthritis known as staphylococcal arthritis, which occurs when the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus infects the right elbow joint, leading to an inflammatory response that can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected area.
Official Description Of M00.021
The ICD 10 CM book defines ICD 10 code M00.021 as:
Use additional code (B95.61-B95.8) to identify bacterial agent
Excludes2: infection and inflammatory reaction due to internal joint prosthesis (T84.5-)
When To Use M00.021
The diagnosis describes by the ICD 10 CM M00.021 code is staphylococcal infection in the right elbow joint. This type of bacterial infection can enter the joint in two ways: either indirectly through the bloodstream or directly through an injury or surgical site. Once the bacteria enter the joint tissues, they start attacking them, resulting in permanent damage if left untreated.
Patients with this condition experience a range of symptoms, including fever, swelling, redness, and intense pain in the right elbow. Because these symptoms overlap with those of other conditions, diagnosing the condition can be challenging. Hence, healthcare providers rely on several factors to make an accurate diagnosis.
Firstly, the provider evaluates the patient’s medical history and assesses any recent joint surgery, bacterial infection elsewhere in the body, or intravenous drug use. This information can help pinpoint the potential cause of the bacterial infection. Secondly, the provider performs a physical examination to evaluate the affected joint’s range of motion, inflammation, and tenderness. This examination can help determine how severe the infection is and whether it has spread beyond the joint.
To confirm the diagnosis, the provider orders several tests. These tests can include a blood culture test, which helps identify the specific bacteria causing the infection, and a joint fluid analysis, which involves extracting the fluid from the infected joint and analyzing it for signs of infection. X-rays are also taken to determine any damage in the joint.
Once the provider confirms the diagnosis, they start treatment. The recommended course of treatment often includes a targeted antibiotic to address the specific type of bacteria causing the infection. In severe cases, drainage of pus is necessary to reduce swelling and relieve pressure on the joint.
In conclusion, staphylococcal infection in the right elbow joint is a painful and debilitating condition that requires early diagnosis and prompt treatment. Healthcare providers rely on a combination of patient history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing to identify the condition and determine the appropriate course of treatment. As with all infections, early intervention can help prevent permanent damage and support a speedy recovery.
