Intermittent hydrarthrosis, unspecified hip

This code describes a condition characterized by recurrent, temporary swelling of the hip joint due to an accumulation of synovial fluid, without a clear underlying cause. The effusion resolves spontaneously but recurs at irregular intervals, leading to intermittent pain and stiffness in the affected hip.

This code is appropriate when documentation specifies intermittent hydrarthrosis affecting an unspecified hip. It should be used when the laterality of the hip (left or right) is not documented or cannot be determined from the medical record.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "intermittent hydrarthrosis" and specifies the hip as the affected joint.
• Avoid using this code if a specific cause for the hydrarthrosis (e.g., trauma, infection, inflammatory arthritis) is identified; instead, code the underlying condition.
• If laterality (left or right hip) is documented, use the more specific codes M12.451 (right) or M12.452 (left).