ICD-10: M71.139

ICD-10 code M71.139 refers to "Other infective bursitis, unspecified wrist." This code is part of the broader category of bursitis, which is an inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones and soft tissues, such as muscles, tendons, and skin. Bursitis can occur in various locations throughout the body, including the wrist.

Clinical Description

Definition

Infective bursitis is characterized by the inflammation of a bursa due to an infection, which can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The condition can lead to pain, swelling, and limited movement in the affected area. When the infection is localized and does not have a specific identifiable cause, it is classified under the unspecified category, such as M71.139.

Symptoms

Patients with infective bursitis in the wrist may experience:
- Pain: Localized pain in the wrist that may worsen with movement.
- Swelling: Noticeable swelling around the wrist joint.
- Redness and Warmth: The skin over the affected bursa may appear red and feel warm to the touch.
- Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty in moving the wrist due to pain and swelling.
- Systemic Symptoms: In some cases, patients may also experience fever or malaise if the infection is systemic.

Causes

The causes of infective bursitis can vary, but common factors include:
- Injury or Trauma: Direct injury to the wrist can lead to bursitis.
- Infection: Bacterial infections, particularly from skin flora like Staphylococcus aureus, can penetrate the bursa.
- Underlying Conditions: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout may predispose individuals to bursitis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves:
- Clinical Examination: Assessment of symptoms and physical examination of the wrist.
- Imaging Studies: X-rays or ultrasound may be used to rule out other conditions and assess the extent of inflammation.
- Laboratory Tests: Blood tests or aspiration of the bursa fluid may be performed to identify the causative organism.

Treatment

Treatment for M71.139 may include:
- Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection is confirmed, appropriate antibiotics will be prescribed.
- Rest and Immobilization: Keeping the wrist immobilized to reduce strain on the bursa.
- Ice Therapy: Applying ice to the affected area to reduce swelling and pain.
- Corticosteroids: In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation.

Conclusion

ICD-10 code M71.139 captures the clinical essence of other infective bursitis in the wrist, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis and treatment. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and management options is crucial for healthcare providers to effectively address this condition and improve patient outcomes. If you suspect infective bursitis, it is essential to seek medical attention for proper evaluation and treatment.

ICD-10 code M71.139 refers to "Other infective bursitis, unspecified wrist." This condition involves inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones and soft tissues, specifically in the wrist area. Understanding the clinical presentation, signs, symptoms, and patient characteristics associated with this diagnosis is crucial for effective management and treatment.

Clinical Presentation

Definition and Overview

Infective bursitis occurs when a bursa becomes inflamed due to infection, often resulting from bacteria entering the bursa through a break in the skin or from nearby infections. The wrist, being a complex joint with multiple bursae, can be affected by various infectious agents, leading to localized pain and swelling.

Common Causes

• Bacterial Infections: The most common cause of infective bursitis is bacterial infection, particularly from organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus.
• Fungal Infections: Less commonly, fungal infections can also lead to bursitis, especially in immunocompromised patients.
• Trauma: Previous trauma to the wrist can predispose individuals to bursitis by creating an entry point for pathogens.

Signs and Symptoms

Localized Symptoms

• Pain: Patients typically experience localized pain in the wrist, which may worsen with movement or pressure.
• Swelling: There is often noticeable swelling over the affected bursa, which may feel warm to the touch.
• Redness: The skin over the bursa may appear red and inflamed, indicating an inflammatory response.

Systemic Symptoms

• Fever: In cases of significant infection, patients may present with fever and chills.
• Fatigue: General malaise and fatigue can accompany the local symptoms, particularly if the infection is systemic.

Functional Impairment

• Reduced Range of Motion: Patients may have difficulty moving the wrist due to pain and swelling, leading to functional impairment in daily activities.
• Tenderness: The area around the bursa is often tender to palpation, which can help differentiate it from other wrist conditions.

Patient Characteristics

Demographics

• Age: While bursitis can occur at any age, it is more common in adults, particularly those over 40 years old.
• Gender: There may be a slight male predominance, especially in cases related to occupational or sports-related injuries.

Risk Factors

• Occupational Hazards: Individuals engaged in repetitive wrist movements or heavy lifting may be at higher risk.
• Underlying Conditions: Patients with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or other immunocompromising conditions are more susceptible to infections, including bursitis.
• Skin Infections: A history of skin infections or conditions that compromise skin integrity can increase the risk of developing infective bursitis.

Lifestyle Factors

• Activity Level: High levels of physical activity, particularly involving the upper extremities, can contribute to the development of bursitis.
• Hygiene Practices: Poor hygiene or exposure to contaminated environments can also be a risk factor for infection.

Conclusion

Infective bursitis of the wrist, classified under ICD-10 code M71.139, presents with specific clinical features, including localized pain, swelling, and potential systemic symptoms like fever. Understanding the signs, symptoms, and patient characteristics associated with this condition is essential for healthcare providers to diagnose and manage it effectively. Early intervention can prevent complications and promote recovery, particularly in at-risk populations. If you suspect infective bursitis, a thorough clinical evaluation and appropriate imaging or laboratory tests may be warranted to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.

ICD-10 code M71.139 refers to "Other infective bursitis, unspecified wrist." This code is part of the broader category of bursopathies, which are conditions affecting the bursae—small fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, tendons, and muscles near joints. Below are alternative names and related terms associated with this specific ICD-10 code.

Alternative Names for M71.139

1. Infective Bursitis: This term broadly describes inflammation of the bursa due to infection, which can occur in various locations, including the wrist.
2. Bursitis, Infectious: Another term emphasizing the infectious nature of the condition.
3. Wrist Bursitis: While this term is more general, it can refer to any bursitis affecting the wrist, including infective types.
4. Septic Bursitis: This term is often used to describe bursitis caused by bacterial infection, which can be a specific type of infective bursitis.

Related Terms

1. Bursopathy: A general term for any disease or condition affecting the bursae, which includes various types of bursitis.
2. Bursa: The anatomical structure involved in bursitis; understanding this term is crucial for discussing bursitis-related conditions.
3. Tendinitis: While not the same as bursitis, tendinitis can occur alongside bursitis, particularly in the wrist, due to the close anatomical relationship between tendons and bursae.
4. Synovitis: Inflammation of the synovial membrane, which can occur in conjunction with bursitis, especially in joint-related conditions.
5. Infectious Arthritis: Although distinct from bursitis, this term may be relevant as infections can spread from bursae to joints.

Clinical Context

Understanding these alternative names and related terms is essential for healthcare professionals when diagnosing and coding conditions accurately. The specificity of the ICD-10 code M71.139 helps in identifying the nature of the bursitis, which is crucial for treatment planning and insurance billing purposes.

In summary, M71.139 encompasses various terms that reflect the condition's nature and location, aiding in effective communication among healthcare providers and ensuring accurate medical records.

The ICD-10 code M71.139 refers to "Other infective bursitis, unspecified wrist." To diagnose this condition, healthcare providers typically follow a set of criteria that includes clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and laboratory tests. Below is a detailed overview of the diagnostic criteria and considerations for this specific code.

Clinical Evaluation

Patient History

• Symptom Onset: The clinician will inquire about the onset and duration of symptoms, including pain, swelling, and tenderness around the wrist.
• Previous Injuries: A history of trauma or repetitive strain to the wrist may be relevant, as these factors can contribute to bursitis.
• Infection Symptoms: The presence of systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, or malaise may indicate an infectious process.

Physical Examination

• Inspection: The wrist will be examined for signs of swelling, redness, or warmth, which are indicative of inflammation.
• Palpation: The clinician will palpate the area to assess tenderness and to identify any fluctuation that may suggest the presence of fluid in the bursa.
• Range of Motion: Evaluating the range of motion can help determine the functional impact of the bursitis.

Imaging Studies

• Ultrasound: This imaging modality can be used to visualize the bursa and assess for fluid accumulation or other abnormalities.
• MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging may be employed for a more detailed view of the soft tissues around the wrist, helping to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.

Laboratory Tests

• Blood Tests: Complete blood count (CBC) may be performed to check for signs of infection, such as elevated white blood cell counts.
• Joint Aspiration: If there is significant swelling, aspiration of the bursa may be conducted to analyze the synovial fluid for the presence of bacteria, crystals, or other inflammatory markers.

Differential Diagnosis

It is crucial to differentiate infective bursitis from other conditions that may present similarly, such as:
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons around the wrist.
- Arthritis: Inflammatory joint conditions that may mimic bursitis symptoms.
- Gout or Pseudogout: Crystal-induced arthritis that can cause joint swelling and pain.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of M71.139, "Other infective bursitis, unspecified wrist," involves a comprehensive approach that includes patient history, physical examination, imaging studies, and laboratory tests. By systematically evaluating these factors, healthcare providers can accurately diagnose the condition and differentiate it from other musculoskeletal disorders. This thorough diagnostic process is essential for determining the appropriate treatment and management plan for the patient.

When addressing the standard treatment approaches for ICD-10 code M71.139, which refers to "Other infective bursitis, unspecified wrist," it is essential to understand the condition's nature, symptoms, and the typical management strategies employed in clinical practice.

Understanding Infective Bursitis

Infective bursitis occurs when a bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues, becomes inflamed due to infection. This condition can lead to pain, swelling, and limited mobility in the affected joint, in this case, the wrist. The infection may be caused by bacteria, fungi, or other pathogens, and it often presents with symptoms such as redness, warmth, and tenderness around the joint.

Standard Treatment Approaches

1. Initial Assessment and Diagnosis

Before treatment can begin, a thorough assessment is necessary. This typically includes:
- Clinical Evaluation: A healthcare provider will assess symptoms, medical history, and physical examination findings.
- Imaging Studies: X-rays or MRI may be used to rule out other conditions and assess the extent of the bursitis.
- Laboratory Tests: Blood tests or aspiration of the bursa fluid may be performed to identify the causative organism and determine the appropriate treatment.

2. Antibiotic Therapy

If the bursitis is confirmed to be infectious, antibiotic therapy is the cornerstone of treatment. The choice of antibiotics may depend on:
- Causative Organism: Culture results will guide the selection of the most effective antibiotic.
- Severity of Infection: Mild infections may be treated with oral antibiotics, while more severe cases may require intravenous antibiotics.

3. Pain Management

Managing pain and inflammation is crucial for patient comfort and recovery. Common approaches include:
- Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Corticosteroids: In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be administered to decrease inflammation.

4. Rest and Immobilization

Resting the affected wrist is vital to allow healing. This may involve:
- Splinting or Bracing: Using a splint or brace can help immobilize the wrist and reduce strain on the bursa.
- Activity Modification: Patients are often advised to avoid activities that exacerbate symptoms.

5. Physical Therapy

Once the acute infection is managed, physical therapy may be recommended to restore function and strength. This can include:
- Range of Motion Exercises: Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can help regain mobility.
- Therapeutic Modalities: Techniques such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation may be used to promote healing.

6. Surgical Intervention

In cases where conservative treatments fail or if there is an abscess formation, surgical intervention may be necessary. This could involve:
- Drainage of the Bursa: Surgical drainage may be performed to remove infected fluid.
- Bursa Removal: In chronic cases, the bursa may be surgically excised.

Conclusion

The management of infective bursitis, particularly for the wrist as indicated by ICD-10 code M71.139, involves a comprehensive approach that includes accurate diagnosis, antibiotic therapy, pain management, rest, and possibly physical therapy or surgical intervention. Early and effective treatment is crucial to prevent complications and ensure a full recovery. If you suspect you have this condition, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.