ICD 10 CM M71.872 | Description & Clinical Information

ICD 10 M71.872 describes a specific medical condition known as bursopathy, which is characterized by the inflammation of a bursa, a fluid-filled sac that helps reduce friction in the joints, and can be caused by a variety of factors such as injury, infection, tumor, or bone degeneration, and in this particular case, it refers to a type of bursopathy affecting the left ankle and foot that cannot be represented by any other code in this category.

Official Description Of M71.872

The ICD 10 CM book defines ICD 10 code M71.872 as:

When To Use M71.872

The diagnosis describes by ICD-10-CM code M71.872 is bursopathy of the left ankle and foot. This condition causes pain, inflammation, and swelling around the bursa, which is a small fluid-filled sac that provides a cushion between bones and tendons, leading to difficulty in performing daily living activities.

To diagnose this condition, healthcare providers rely on various methods, including the patient’s medical history, physical examination, imaging techniques, such as X-rays or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and laboratory examinations, such as testing for inflammatory markers in the blood and fluid removed from the joint.

One of the most common tests used to detect bursopathy is an X-ray. This type of diagnostic imaging uses electromagnetic radiation to create images of the internal structures of the foot and ankle bones, which help healthcare providers rule out other possible conditions that cause pain, swelling, and inflammation in the same area.

MRI is another imaging technique that can help diagnose bursopathy. MRI uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the internal structures of the foot and ankle. The images produced by this diagnostic test are more detailed and accurate than X-rays, making it an excellent diagnostic tool for detecting bursopathy.

In addition to imaging tests, healthcare providers may also perform laboratory examinations to confirm the diagnosis of bursopathy. These tests are used to measure the levels of inflammatory markers in the blood and the fluid removed from the joint. Elevated levels of these markers may suggest the presence of an inflammatory condition.

Treatment for bursopathy of the left ankle and foot typically involves medication to relieve pain and inflammation, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and analgesics. Physical therapy may also be recommended to improve range of motion, strength, and flexibility in the affected joint.

If medication and physical therapy do not provide sufficient relief, healthcare providers may recommend corticosteroid injections into the joint to reduce inflammation or surgery to remove the bursa. Surgery is usually only considered when all other treatment options have been exhausted, and the symptoms are severe enough to interfere with the patient’s daily life.

In conclusion, the diagnosis of bursopathy of the left ankle and foot is a painful condition that can impact the quality of life of the affected patient. Healthcare providers use a combination of medical history, physical examination, imaging techniques, and laboratory examinations to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment typically involves medication and physical therapy, but more invasive options such as corticosteroid injections or surgery may be considered in severe cases. Patient education on preventive measures is also important to avoid aggravating the condition.