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 CodesM66.144

M66.144

Billable

Rupture of synovium, right finger(s)

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M66.144 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of rupture of synovium, right finger(s).

Key Diagnostic Point:

Rupture of the synovium in the right finger(s) refers to the tearing or disruption of the synovial membrane that lines the joints and tendon sheaths in the fingers. This condition can occur due to trauma, repetitive strain, or underlying inflammatory conditions 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 pain, swelling, and decreased range of motion in the affected finger(s). Patients may present with symptoms such as localized tenderness, swelling, and sometimes a palpable defect in the area. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination and may be supported by imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI to assess the extent of the rupture and any associated tendon injuries. Treatment options may include conservative management with rest, splinting, and anti-inflammatory medications, or surgical intervention to repair the ruptured synovium and any affected tendons, particularly in cases of significant functional impairment.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between various types of synovial injuries
  • Understanding the relationship between synovial rupture and tendon injuries
  • Documenting the specific finger(s) affected
  • Identifying the cause of the rupture (traumatic vs. non-traumatic)

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the mechanism of injury
  • Failure to specify the exact finger(s) involved
  • Misclassification of the injury type (e.g., traumatic vs. degenerative)
  • Lack of supporting imaging or clinical notes

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedics

Documentation Requirements

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

Common Clinical Scenarios

Acute injuries from sports, falls, or repetitive strain injuries in manual laborers.

Billing Considerations

Ensure accurate documentation of any surgical procedures performed, including repair techniques and post-operative care.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive assessment of underlying inflammatory conditions and their impact on synovial health.

Common Clinical Scenarios

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

Billing Considerations

Document the relationship between systemic disease and local joint pathology.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M66.144 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, ensuring accurate documentation of the injury's specifics, including laterality and affected anatomical sites
  • Include any relevant history of trauma or underlying conditions

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M66.144 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

26300CPT Code

Repair of ruptured tendon

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical repair of the ruptured synovium and associated tendon is performed.

Documentation Requirements

Operative notes detailing the procedure, findings, and post-operative care.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the extent of the injury and repair.

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 data collection and reimbursement processes. M66.144 provides granularity that was not available in ICD-9, facilitating better patient management and outcomes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of synovial injuries, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes. M66.144 provides granularity that was not available in ICD-9, facilitating better patient management and outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. M66.144 provides granularity that was not available in ICD-9, facilitating better patient management and outcomes.

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 in fingers?

The primary causes of synovial rupture in fingers include acute trauma, repetitive strain injuries, and underlying inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.