Pneumococcal arthritis, left knee

This code signifies an inflammatory condition of the left knee joint caused by infection with Streptococcus pneumoniae. It involves bacterial invasion of the synovial fluid and tissues, leading to pain, swelling, and restricted movement in the affected knee. This is a form of septic arthritis specifically attributed to pneumococcal bacteria.

Apply this code when documentation confirms a diagnosis of septic arthritis of the left knee, and laboratory cultures or other diagnostic tests specifically identify Streptococcus pneumoniae as the causative organism. This code is appropriate for both initial and subsequent encounters for this specific infection.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies the left knee as the affected joint.
• Confirm the infectious agent is Streptococcus pneumoniae through culture results or physician statement.
• Do not confuse with other forms of infectious arthritis or non-infectious inflammatory arthropathies.