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 CodesM66.1

M66.1

Billable

Rupture of synovium

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M66.1 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rupture of synovium.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rupture of synovium refers to the tearing or disruption of the synovial membrane, which lines the joints and tendon sheaths. 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 joints and nourishes the cartilage. When the synovium ruptures, it can lead to joint swelling, pain, and decreased mobility. Patients may present with symptoms such as localized tenderness, swelling, and sometimes a palpable defect in the area of the rupture. Diagnosis is typically made through clinical examination and imaging studies, such as ultrasound or MRI, which can visualize the extent of the rupture and any associated tendon or joint damage. Treatment may involve conservative management with rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications, or more invasive procedures such as surgical repair if the rupture is significant or associated with other injuries.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between types of synovial injuries
  • Understanding associated conditions like tenosynovitis
  • Documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Identifying the specific location of the rupture

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the location of the rupture
  • Lack of imaging studies to support the diagnosis
  • Misclassification of the injury type

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 joint pain after trauma, athletes with overuse injuries, or individuals with inflammatory joint diseases.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the documentation clearly distinguishes between rupture and other conditions like tenosynovitis.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with autoimmune disorders presenting with joint swelling and pain.

Billing Considerations

Document any underlying inflammatory conditions that may contribute to synovial rupture.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M66.1 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the rupture's location and associated conditions
  • Include any relevant imaging studies and clinical findings to support the diagnosis

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M66.1 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

29875CPT Code

Arthroscopy, knee, diagnostic, with or without synovial biopsy

Clinical Scenario

Used when a patient presents with knee pain and swelling, and a synovial rupture is suspected.

Documentation Requirements

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

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should ensure that the procedure notes correlate with the diagnosis.

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 plans. M66.1 provides a clear distinction from other related conditions, facilitating better patient management.

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 plans. M66.1 provides a clear distinction from other related conditions, facilitating better patient management.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of synovial injuries, improving the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment plans. M66.1 provides a clear distinction from other related conditions, facilitating better patient management.

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 is the primary cause of synovial rupture?

Synovial rupture can be caused by acute trauma, repetitive stress, or underlying inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.

How is a synovial rupture diagnosed?

Diagnosis typically involves a clinical examination, patient history, and imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI to visualize the rupture.

What are the treatment options for a ruptured synovium?

Treatment may include conservative management with rest and anti-inflammatory medications, or surgical intervention if the rupture is significant.