Staphylococcal arthritis, unspecified shoulder

This code signifies an inflammatory condition of the shoulder joint caused by a Staphylococcus bacterial infection. It represents an acute or chronic infectious arthritis affecting the synovial lining and articular cartilage of the shoulder, without further specification of laterality.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates staphylococcal arthritis affecting the shoulder joint, but the specific shoulder (left or right) is not documented. This applies to cases where laboratory confirmation of Staphylococcus as the causative agent is present, along with clinical signs and symptoms of septic arthritis in the shoulder.

• Always strive for laterality (left or right shoulder) if documented, as more specific codes exist.
• Do not use this code if the causative organism is known to be something other than Staphylococcus.
• Sequence this code first when it represents the primary reason for the encounter or admission.