ICD-10: M71.14

ICD-10 code M71.14 refers to "Other infective bursitis, hand." This classification falls under 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 parts of the body, but when it specifically affects the hand, it can lead to significant discomfort and functional impairment.

Clinical Description

Definition and Causes

Infective bursitis occurs when a bursa becomes inflamed due to infection, often caused by bacteria. The hand contains several bursae, particularly around the joints and tendons, which can become infected due to:

• Direct trauma: Injury to the hand can introduce pathogens into the bursa.
• Systemic infections: Conditions like diabetes or immunosuppression can predispose individuals to infections.
• Overuse: Repetitive motions or excessive pressure on the hand can lead to inflammation and subsequent infection.

Symptoms

Patients with M71.14 may present with the following symptoms:

• Localized pain: Pain in the affected area, which may worsen with movement.
• Swelling: Noticeable swelling around the joint or tendon.
• Redness and warmth: The skin over the bursa may appear red and feel warm to the touch.
• Limited range of motion: Difficulty in moving the affected fingers or wrist due to pain and swelling.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis typically involves a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging studies. Key steps include:

• Physical examination: Assessing the area for swelling, tenderness, and range of motion.
• Imaging: X-rays or ultrasound may be used to rule out other conditions and visualize the bursa.
• Aspiration: In some cases, fluid may be drawn from the bursa for analysis to identify the causative organism.

Treatment

Management of infective bursitis in the hand may include:

• Antibiotics: If a bacterial infection is confirmed, appropriate antibiotic therapy is essential.
• Rest and immobilization: Reducing movement can help alleviate symptoms and promote healing.
• Corticosteroid injections: In some cases, corticosteroids may be injected to reduce inflammation.
• Surgery: If the infection does not respond to conservative treatment, surgical intervention may be necessary to drain the bursa.

Conclusion

ICD-10 code M71.14 encapsulates the clinical picture of other infective bursitis in the hand, highlighting the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent complications. Understanding the underlying causes, symptoms, and management strategies is crucial for healthcare providers to effectively address this condition and improve patient outcomes.

The ICD-10 code M71.14 refers to "Other infective bursitis, hand," which is a specific classification under the broader category of bursitis. Understanding the clinical presentation, signs, symptoms, and patient characteristics associated with this condition is essential for accurate diagnosis and management.

Clinical Presentation

Infective bursitis in the hand typically presents with localized inflammation of the bursa, which is a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues. The condition can arise from various infectious agents, including bacteria, fungi, or viruses, often following trauma or as a complication of systemic infections.

Signs and Symptoms

1. Localized Swelling: Patients often exhibit noticeable swelling over the affected bursa, which may be palpable and tender to touch. This swelling can vary in size depending on the severity of the infection.

2. Pain and Tenderness: The area surrounding the bursa is usually painful, especially during movement or pressure. Patients may report a sharp or throbbing pain that can radiate to adjacent areas.

3. Redness and Warmth: The skin over the affected bursa may appear red and feel warm, indicating an inflammatory response. This erythema is often a key sign of infection.

4. Limited Range of Motion: Due to pain and swelling, patients may experience restricted movement in the affected hand, making it difficult to perform daily activities.

5. Systemic Symptoms: In cases of severe infection, patients may present with systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, and malaise, indicating a more widespread infection.

Patient Characteristics

1. Demographics: Infective bursitis can occur in individuals of any age, but it is more common in adults, particularly those over 40 years old. Males may be more frequently affected than females.

2. Underlying Conditions: Patients with compromised immune systems, such as those with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or chronic kidney disease, are at a higher risk for developing infective bursitis. Additionally, individuals with a history of joint problems or previous bursitis episodes may be more susceptible.

3. Occupational and Recreational Factors: Certain occupations or activities that involve repetitive hand movements or trauma to the hand (e.g., manual labor, sports) can increase the risk of bursitis.

4. Hygiene and Skin Integrity: Poor hygiene or skin integrity, such as cuts or abrasions on the hand, can predispose individuals to infections that lead to bursitis.

Conclusion

Infective bursitis of the hand (ICD-10 code M71.14) is characterized by localized swelling, pain, redness, and warmth, often accompanied by systemic symptoms in more severe cases. Understanding the clinical presentation and patient characteristics is crucial for healthcare providers to diagnose and manage this condition effectively. Early intervention can help prevent complications and improve patient outcomes. If you suspect infective bursitis, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation for appropriate treatment, which may include antibiotics and supportive care.

ICD-10 code M71.14 refers specifically to "Other infective bursitis, hand." This code is part of the broader category of bursitis, which is inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones and soft tissues. Below are alternative names and related terms associated with this condition:

Alternative Names

1. Infective Bursitis of the Hand: This term emphasizes the infectious nature of the bursitis affecting the hand.
2. Septic Bursitis of the Hand: This term is often used interchangeably with infective bursitis, highlighting the presence of infection.
3. Hand Bursitis: A more general term that may refer to any type of bursitis in the hand, though it can include infective cases.
4. Bursitis of the Hand: Similar to the above, this term can refer to inflammation of the bursa in the hand, not necessarily limited to infectious causes.

Related Terms

1. Bursitis: A general term for inflammation of a bursa, which can occur in various locations throughout the body, including the hand.
2. Tendonitis: While not the same, tendonitis can occur alongside bursitis, particularly in the hand, as both conditions can result from repetitive motion or injury.
3. Synovitis: Inflammation of the synovial membrane, which can occur in conjunction with bursitis, especially in the joints of the hand.
4. Hand Infection: A broader term that may encompass various types of infections in the hand, including those that can lead to bursitis.
5. Pus-filled Bursitis: This term may be used to describe a specific type of infective bursitis where pus accumulates in the bursa.

Clinical Context

In clinical practice, understanding these alternative names and related terms is crucial for accurate diagnosis, treatment, and coding. The presence of infection in bursitis can lead to more severe complications if not treated promptly, making it essential for healthcare providers to recognize and differentiate between various forms of bursitis.

In summary, while M71.14 specifically denotes "Other infective bursitis, hand," the terms and related concepts outlined above provide a broader context for understanding this condition and its implications in medical coding and treatment.

The ICD-10 code M71.14 refers to "Other infective bursitis, hand." This diagnosis is part of the broader category of bursitis, which involves inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones and soft tissues. Understanding the criteria for diagnosing this condition is essential for accurate coding and treatment.

Diagnostic Criteria for M71.14

Clinical Presentation

1. Symptoms: Patients typically present with localized pain, swelling, and tenderness in the hand. The affected area may exhibit warmth and redness, indicating inflammation. Pain may worsen with movement or pressure on the affected bursa.

2. History of Injury or Infection: A thorough patient history is crucial. The presence of recent trauma, repetitive motion, or prior infections in the area can contribute to the diagnosis of infective bursitis.

3. Duration of Symptoms: Symptoms lasting more than a few days, particularly if they worsen, may suggest an infectious process rather than simple bursitis due to overuse.

Physical Examination

1. Local Examination: A physical examination should reveal swelling and tenderness over the bursa in the hand. The clinician may assess the range of motion and look for signs of systemic infection, such as fever.

2. Palpation: Direct palpation of the bursa can help identify localized tenderness and swelling, which are indicative of bursitis.

Diagnostic Imaging

1. Ultrasound or MRI: Imaging studies may be utilized to visualize the bursa and surrounding tissues. These modalities can help differentiate between infective bursitis and other conditions, such as tendonitis or arthritis.

2. X-rays: While not typically used to diagnose bursitis directly, X-rays can rule out other underlying bone conditions or fractures.

Laboratory Tests

1. Aspiration and Culture: If an infection is suspected, aspiration of the bursa may be performed to obtain synovial fluid. This fluid can be analyzed for the presence of bacteria, white blood cells, and crystals, which can confirm an infectious process.

2. Blood Tests: Blood tests may be conducted to check for signs of infection, such as elevated white blood cell counts or inflammatory markers (e.g., C-reactive protein).

Differential Diagnosis

It is essential to differentiate infective bursitis from other conditions that may present similarly, such as:
- Non-infective bursitis: Often due to repetitive strain or trauma without infection.
- Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons that may mimic bursitis symptoms.
- Arthritis: Inflammatory joint diseases that can cause similar symptoms in the hand.

Conclusion

The diagnosis of M71.14, or other infective bursitis of the hand, relies on a combination of clinical evaluation, patient history, physical examination, imaging studies, and laboratory tests. Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment, which may include antibiotics for infection, corticosteroid injections, or surgical intervention in severe cases. Understanding these criteria helps healthcare providers ensure proper coding and management of the condition.

Infective bursitis, particularly in the hand, is classified under the ICD-10 code M71.14. This condition involves inflammation of the bursa, a small fluid-filled sac that reduces friction between tissues in joints and can become infected due to various factors. Understanding the standard treatment approaches for this condition is crucial for effective management and recovery.

Overview of Infective Bursitis

Infective bursitis can occur due to direct trauma, repetitive motion, or infection from nearby tissues. Symptoms typically include localized pain, swelling, warmth, and sometimes fever if the infection is systemic. The hand is particularly susceptible due to its frequent use and exposure to injury.

Standard Treatment Approaches

1. Initial Assessment and Diagnosis

• Clinical Evaluation: A thorough history and physical examination are essential to assess the extent of the infection and rule out other conditions.
• Imaging Studies: X-rays or ultrasound may be used to evaluate the bursa and surrounding structures for any underlying issues or complications.

2. Medications

• Antibiotics: If the bursitis is confirmed to be infectious, appropriate antibiotic therapy is initiated based on the suspected or confirmed pathogen. Common choices include:
  • Cephalexin for skin flora.
  • Clindamycin for penicillin-allergic patients.
  • Vancomycin may be considered for MRSA coverage in severe cases.
• Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Medications like ibuprofen or naproxen can help reduce pain and inflammation.

3. Rest and Activity Modification

• Activity Modification: Patients are advised to avoid activities that exacerbate symptoms, allowing the bursa to heal.
• Rest: Limiting movement of the affected hand can help reduce inflammation and pain.

4. Physical Therapy

• Rehabilitation: Once the acute infection is managed, physical therapy may be recommended to restore range of motion and strength in the hand. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can be beneficial.

5. Surgical Intervention

• Aspiration: In cases where there is significant fluid accumulation, aspiration of the bursa may be performed to relieve pressure and obtain fluid for culture.
• Surgical Drainage: If the infection does not respond to antibiotics or if there is an abscess, surgical drainage may be necessary.

6. Follow-Up Care

• Monitoring: Regular follow-up appointments are essential to ensure the infection is resolving and to adjust treatment as necessary.
• Education: Patients should be educated on signs of worsening infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or fever, and advised to seek immediate care if these occur.

Conclusion

The management of infective bursitis in the hand (ICD-10 code M71.14) involves a combination of medical treatment, activity modification, and possibly surgical intervention. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are key to preventing complications and ensuring a full recovery. Patients should work closely with their healthcare providers to develop a tailored treatment plan that addresses their specific needs and circumstances.