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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM66.122

M66.122

Billable

Rupture of synovium, left elbow

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/17/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 M66.122 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rupture of synovium, left elbow.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rupture of the synovium in the left elbow is a condition characterized by the tearing of the synovial membrane, which lines the joint and produces synovial fluid. This injury can occur due to trauma, repetitive strain, or underlying inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis. Symptoms typically include localized pain, swelling, and reduced range of motion in the elbow. The rupture may lead to the accumulation of synovial fluid in the joint space, known as a joint effusion, and can result in secondary complications such as tenosynovitis or tendon ruptures if not managed appropriately. Diagnosis is often confirmed through physical examination and imaging studies, such as ultrasound or MRI, which can visualize the extent of the rupture and any associated injuries. Treatment may involve conservative measures such as rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications, or more invasive interventions like surgical repair if the rupture is significant or if there are associated tendon injuries.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between types of synovial injuries
  • Understanding associated conditions like tenosynovitis
  • Documenting the specific location and severity of the rupture
  • Identifying any concurrent tendon injuries

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the laterality of the condition
  • Lack of imaging studies to support the diagnosis
  • Misclassification of the injury severity

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed notes on the mechanism of injury, physical examination findings, and imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with elbow pain after trauma or repetitive use, often with swelling and limited motion.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clarity on whether the injury is acute or chronic, as this can affect treatment and coding.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive history of joint symptoms, previous inflammatory conditions, and response to treatments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with underlying autoimmune disorders presenting with joint pain and swelling.

Billing Considerations

Document any systemic symptoms or comorbidities that may influence the management of the synovial rupture.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M66.122 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding injuries, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury's location, type, and any associated conditions
  • Include details about the mechanism of injury and any treatments provided

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M66.122 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

29870CPT Code

Arthroscopy, elbow, diagnostic, with or without synovial biopsy

Clinical Scenario

Used when a surgical evaluation of the elbow is performed due to suspected synovial rupture.

Documentation Requirements

Document the indication for the procedure, findings, and any interventions performed.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should ensure that the procedure is clearly linked to the diagnosis of synovial rupture.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of synovial injuries, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. M66.122 provides a clear designation for left elbow synovial rupture, facilitating better patient management and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of synovial injuries, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking. M66.122 provides a clear designation for left elbow synovial rupture, facilitating better patient management and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of synovial rupture in the elbow?

Common causes include acute trauma, repetitive strain from activities such as sports or manual labor, and underlying inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.