ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD 10 CodesDiagnoses
ICD-10 Logo
ICDxICD-10 Medical Coding

Comprehensive ICD-10-CM code reference with AI-powered search capabilities.

© 2025 ICD Code Compass. All rights reserved.

Browse

  • All Chapters
  • All Categories
  • Diagnoses

Tools

  • AI Code Search
ICD-10-CM codes are maintained by the CDC and CMS. This tool is for reference purposes only.
v1.0.0
ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesA50.51

A50.51

Billable

Clutton's joints

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/05/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 A50.51 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of clutton's joints.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Clutton's joints refer to the bilateral swelling of the knees that occurs in congenital syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection caused by Treponema pallidum. This condition is characterized by the presence of painless, swollen joints, particularly the knees, which may be accompanied by other systemic manifestations of congenital syphilis. The swelling is due to synovitis and can lead to joint deformities if not treated. Clutton's joints are a classic sign of congenital syphilis and are often seen in infants born to mothers who were untreated or inadequately treated during pregnancy. Diagnosis is typically made through clinical examination and serological testing for syphilis. Early recognition and treatment are crucial to prevent long-term complications, including skeletal deformities and other systemic issues associated with congenital syphilis.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Requires knowledge of congenital syphilis and its manifestations.
  • Differentiation from other causes of joint swelling.
  • Need for accurate documentation of maternal syphilis status.
  • Potential for misclassification if not properly linked to congenital conditions.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of maternal syphilis status.
  • Failure to link joint symptoms to congenital syphilis.
  • Misdiagnosis or coding of joint conditions unrelated to syphilis.
  • Lack of follow-up documentation on treatment outcomes.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Pediatrics

Documentation Requirements

Detailed maternal history, including syphilis screening results and treatment.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Infants presenting with joint swelling and a history of maternal syphilis.

Billing Considerations

Need for thorough examination of other congenital syphilis manifestations.

Infectious Disease

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive records of syphilis testing and treatment protocols.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Management of congenital syphilis cases and associated complications.

Billing Considerations

Understanding of syphilis transmission and prevention strategies.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use A50.51 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, A50
  • 51 should be used when documenting cases of Clutton's joints specifically linked to congenital syphilis
  • It is important to ensure that the diagnosis is supported by clinical findings and maternal history

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use A50.51 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

86592CPT Code

Syphilis test, non-treponemal

Clinical Scenario

Used to confirm syphilis diagnosis in pregnant women.

Documentation Requirements

Document the reason for testing and results.

Specialty Considerations

Infectious disease specialists should ensure comprehensive testing protocols.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital syphilis manifestations, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital syphilis manifestations, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of congenital syphilis manifestations, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment tracking.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    CDC Syphilis Information

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    CDC Syphilis Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Clutton's joints?

Clutton's joints are bilateral knee swellings associated with congenital syphilis, indicating the presence of the infection in newborns.