M02.37
Reiter's disease, ankle and foot
Clinical Classification Guidelines
Inclusion Terms
- Reiter's disease, tarsus, metatarsus and phalanges
Medical Intelligence & Overview
Reiter's disease, also known as reactive arthritis, is a condition characterized by inflammation that affects the joints, particularly those in the ankle, foot, and sometimes other parts of the body. This form of arthritis often develops as a reaction to an infection in the body, leading to joint pain, swelling, and discomfort. When specifically affecting areas such as the tarsus, metatarsus, and phalanges, Reiter's disease can significantly impair mobility and quality of life.
Causes & Symptoms
Clinical Causes: Infection with certain bacteria, notably Chlamydia trachomatis, which causes sexually transmitted infections Gastrointestinal infections from bacteria such as Salmonella, Shigella, Yersinia, or Campylobacter Genetic factors that predispose individuals to reactive arthritis Environmental factors and immune system responses that trigger the inflammation after infection
Key Symptoms: Joint pain and swelling, particularly in the ankle, heel, and toes Inflammation of tendons and ligaments around the affected joints Lower back pain and stiffness in some cases Urethritis or other urinary symptoms, especially if associated with sexually transmitted infections Conjunctivitis or uveitis causing eye redness and discomfort Skin changes, such as rashes or sores, notably on the soles of the feet or palms Fever and malaise during the early stages of the disease
Diagnostic & Treatment
Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis of Reiter's disease involves a combination of clinical evaluation, patient history focusing on recent infections, and laboratory tests. These may include blood tests to identify inflammation (like elevated ESR and CRP), tests for specific bacterial infections, and joint imaging such as X-rays to assess joint damage or inflammation. Sometimes, joint fluid analysis is performed to rule out other types of arthritis. The criteria include the presence of arthritis along with urinary or gastrointestinal infection history and associated symptoms such as conjunctivitis or skin changes.
Treatment Protocols: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce joint pain and swelling Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) if symptoms persist or become chronic Physical therapy to improve joint mobility and strength Antibiotics to treat underlying bacterial infections, particularly if active infection persists Corticosteroids for severe inflammation, administered orally or as injections Lifestyle modifications, including rest and avoiding joint stress
Clinical Advice & FAQs
Billing Guidance
Is M02.37 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, M02.37 is a specific, billable code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.
Documentation
How do I report M02.37?
Clinical documentation must specify the nature of Reiter's disease, ankle and foot and any associated comorbidities for accurate reporting.
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