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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM66.171

M66.171

Billable

Rupture of synovium, right ankle

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M66.171 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rupture of synovium, right ankle.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rupture of the synovium in the right ankle refers to the tearing or disruption of the synovial membrane that lines the joint. This condition can occur due to trauma, overuse, or underlying inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. The synovium plays a crucial role in joint health by producing synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint and nourishes the cartilage. When the synovium ruptures, it can lead to pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion in the affected ankle. Patients may present with symptoms such as localized tenderness, warmth, and effusion in the joint. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, imaging studies like MRI or ultrasound, and sometimes arthroscopy to visualize the joint directly. Treatment may include conservative measures such as rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), along with physical therapy. In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair the ruptured synovium or address any associated tendon injuries.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between various types of synovial disorders
  • Understanding the relationship between synovial rupture and associated tendon injuries
  • Documentation of specific clinical findings and imaging results
  • Variability in treatment approaches and their documentation

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to document associated conditions or injuries
  • Misclassification of the type of synovial disorder
  • Lack of imaging results to support the diagnosis

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed clinical notes including mechanism of injury, physical exam findings, and imaging results.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with ankle pain following trauma or chronic overuse.

Billing Considerations

Ensure documentation reflects the severity of the rupture and any associated tendon injuries.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of joint involvement and any underlying inflammatory conditions.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis experiencing acute exacerbations leading to synovial rupture.

Billing Considerations

Document the relationship between systemic disease and local joint pathology.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M66.171 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system
  • Ensure accurate documentation of laterality and any associated conditions
  • Include relevant imaging studies and clinical findings to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M66.171 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

29875CPT Code

Arthroscopy, ankle, diagnostic, with or without synovial biopsy

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient undergoes arthroscopy to evaluate the extent of synovial damage.

Documentation Requirements

Document indications for the procedure and findings during the arthroscopy.

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 conditions like synovial rupture, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. This specificity helps in tracking outcomes and managing patient care more effectively.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of conditions like synovial rupture, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. This specificity helps in tracking outcomes and managing patient care more effectively.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. This specificity helps in tracking outcomes and managing patient care more effectively.

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?

Common causes include acute trauma, repetitive stress injuries, and inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

How is a synovial rupture diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, imaging studies such as MRI or ultrasound, and sometimes arthroscopy.

What treatments are available for a ruptured synovium?

Treatment options range from conservative management with rest and physical therapy to surgical repair in severe cases.