Cystic meniscus, unspecified meniscus, unspecified knee

This code signifies the presence of a cystic lesion within the meniscus of the knee joint. A meniscal cyst is typically a benign, fluid-filled sac that forms adjacent to or within a meniscal tear, often due to synovial fluid extrusion. It can cause pain, swelling, and mechanical symptoms.

Use this code when documentation confirms a meniscal cyst but does not specify which meniscus (medial or lateral) is affected, nor does it specify which knee (right or left) is involved. This code is appropriate when imaging reports (e.g., MRI) or surgical findings describe a meniscal cyst without further anatomical detail.

• Avoid using this code if the specific meniscus (medial/lateral) or knee (right/left) is documented; instead, use a more specific code from the M23.0 series.
• Ensure the documentation clearly states "cystic meniscus" or "meniscal cyst" rather than just a meniscal tear, as these are distinct conditions.
• This code is for the cyst itself, not for any underlying meniscal tear that may be present; if a tear is also documented, code it separately.