Gonococcal arthritis

This code represents an inflammatory joint condition caused by disseminated Neisseria gonorrhoeae infection. It typically manifests as acute monoarticular or oligoarticular arthritis, often affecting large joints.

Apply this code when documentation confirms a diagnosis of arthritis directly resulting from a gonococcal infection. Supporting evidence includes positive synovial fluid cultures for N. gonorrhoeae, positive nucleic acid amplification tests (NAAT) from joint aspirates, or clinical presentation highly suggestive of gonococcal arthritis in a patient with confirmed disseminated gonococcal infection.

• Differentiate from septic arthritis due to other organisms; ensure documentation specifies gonococcal etiology.
• Do not use for gonococcal infection affecting the spinal column; refer to the Excludes2 note.
• Code any associated disseminated gonococcal infection (DGI) manifestations, if present, in addition to the arthritis.