Tuberculous arthritis of other joints
ICD-10 A18.02 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of tuberculous arthritis of other joints.
Tuberculous arthritis of other joints is a manifestation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, where the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria infects the joints, leading to inflammation and damage. This condition can affect any joint but is most commonly seen in the knees, hips, and spine. Patients may present with joint pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI, and laboratory tests including sputum cultures or joint aspiration to identify the presence of the bacteria. Treatment usually involves a prolonged course of antituberculous medications, often for six months or longer, and may require surgical intervention in cases of severe joint destruction. Monitoring for drug resistance is crucial, as multidrug-resistant tuberculosis can complicate treatment. Public health implications include the need for contact tracing and isolation procedures to prevent the spread of tuberculosis, especially in cases where the patient is infectious. Regular follow-up is essential to assess treatment efficacy and manage any complications that arise.
Detailed patient history, including exposure history and previous tuberculosis infections.
Patients presenting with joint pain and a history of tuberculosis or exposure to TB.
Consideration of drug resistance and the need for isolation in infectious cases.
Comprehensive joint assessments, imaging results, and treatment response evaluations.
Patients with chronic joint pain and a history of tuberculosis.
Differentiating between tuberculous and other forms of arthritis.
Used when joint aspiration is performed to diagnose or treat tuberculous arthritis.
Document the indication for the procedure, findings, and any samples sent for analysis.
Infectious disease specialists may need to coordinate with rheumatologists for comprehensive care.
Common symptoms include joint pain, swelling, reduced range of motion, and sometimes systemic symptoms like fever and weight loss.
Diagnosis is made through a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and laboratory tests, including joint aspiration and cultures for Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Treatment typically involves a multi-drug regimen of antituberculous medications for at least six months, with monitoring for drug resistance.
Patients may require contact tracing, isolation procedures if infectious, and public health reporting to prevent the spread of tuberculosis.
