Crepitant synovitis (acute) (chronic), left wrist

This code signifies inflammation of the synovial membrane of the left wrist, characterized by a crackling or grating sensation (crepitus) upon movement. This condition can be acute or chronic and often involves the tendon sheaths.

Apply this code when documentation specifies crepitant synovitis affecting the patient's left wrist. Supporting clinical notes should describe crepitus, pain, and/or swelling localized to the left wrist joint or its surrounding tendons.

• Ensure the documentation clearly specifies "crepitant" synovitis, as other forms of synovitis exist.
• Verify the laterality is explicitly stated as "left wrist" to avoid miscoding.
• Distinguish from tenosynovitis without crepitus, which would be coded differently.