Ganglion, unspecified knee

This code signifies the presence of a ganglion cyst located in an unspecified knee joint. A ganglion is a non-cancerous, fluid-filled sac that typically forms on tendons or joints, often presenting as a palpable lump. In this context, it refers to such a cyst affecting the knee without further specification of laterality.

Utilize this code when documentation clearly indicates a ganglion cyst of the knee, but the laterality (right or left) is not specified. This is appropriate for initial encounters where laterality is not yet determined or if the physician explicitly states "unspecified knee." Supporting documentation would include physical exam findings describing a knee mass consistent with a ganglion, imaging reports (e.g., ultrasound, MRI) confirming a ganglion, or operative reports for excision of a knee ganglion without laterality specified.

• Avoid using this code if laterality is documented; instead, select the appropriate code for right (M67.461) or left (M67.462) knee.
• Do not confuse with other knee masses or cysts of different etiologies (e.g., Baker's cyst, meniscal cyst) which have distinct codes.
• If the ganglion is recurrent, consider additional codes for recurrence if specified in the documentation.