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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesG57.33

G57.33

Billable

Lesion of lateral popliteal nerve, bilateral lower limbs

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

Code Description

ICD-10 G57.33 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of lesion of lateral popliteal nerve, bilateral lower limbs.

Key Diagnostic Point:

The lateral popliteal nerve, a branch of the sciatic nerve, innervates the muscles responsible for dorsiflexion and eversion of the foot. A lesion of this nerve can lead to foot drop, characterized by the inability to lift the front part of the foot, resulting in a high-stepping gait or dragging of the foot. This condition can arise from various causes, including trauma, compression from tumors, or prolonged pressure during surgery or immobilization. Bilateral lesions may indicate systemic issues such as diabetes or hereditary neuropathies. Clinical evaluation often includes a thorough history and physical examination, followed by nerve conduction studies (NCS) to assess the function of the lateral popliteal nerve. These studies help differentiate between neuropathies and other conditions that may mimic similar symptoms. Treatment may involve physical therapy, orthotic devices, or surgical intervention depending on the underlying cause and severity of the lesion.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between unilateral and bilateral lesions
  • Understanding the underlying causes of nerve lesions
  • Interpreting nerve conduction study results
  • Documenting associated symptoms and functional impairments

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of bilateral involvement
  • Failure to document the results of nerve conduction studies
  • Misclassification of the lesion as a different type of neuropathy
  • Lack of clarity regarding the underlying cause of the lesion

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Neurology

Documentation Requirements

Detailed neurological examination findings, results of nerve conduction studies, and any imaging studies performed.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with foot drop, numbness, or weakness in the lower limbs.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the documentation clearly states the bilateral nature of the lesion and any associated conditions.

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

Surgical notes if applicable, imaging results, and pre- and post-operative assessments.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with nerve compression due to orthopedic conditions or post-surgical complications.

Billing Considerations

Document any surgical interventions that may have contributed to the nerve lesion.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use G57.33 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 guidelines, G57
  • 33 should be used when there is a confirmed diagnosis of a lesion of the lateral popliteal nerve affecting both lower limbs
  • Documentation must support the bilateral nature of the condition and include any relevant diagnostic tests

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use G57.33 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

95900CPT Code

Nerve conduction study, each nerve

Clinical Scenario

Used to evaluate the function of the lateral popliteal nerve in patients with suspected lesions.

Documentation Requirements

Results of the nerve conduction study must be documented, including latency and amplitude measurements.

Specialty Considerations

Neurologists should ensure that the study is performed according to established protocols.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of nerve lesions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. G57.33 provides a clear distinction for bilateral lesions, which was less defined in ICD-9.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of nerve lesions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. G57.33 provides a clear distinction for bilateral lesions, which was less defined in ICD-9.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of nerve lesions, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. G57.33 provides a clear distinction for bilateral lesions, which was less defined in ICD-9.

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 a lateral popliteal nerve lesion?

Common causes include trauma, compression from tumors, prolonged pressure during surgery or immobilization, and systemic conditions such as diabetes.