Syphilis of synovium, tendon, and bursa

This code represents the manifestation of syphilis affecting the synovial membranes, tendons, or bursae. It indicates an inflammatory condition of these musculoskeletal structures caused by infection with Treponema pallidum. This can lead to pain, swelling, and impaired joint or tendon function.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states a diagnosis of syphilitic synovitis, syphilitic tenosynovitis, or syphilitic bursitis. This diagnosis is typically supported by serological tests confirming syphilis infection and imaging or clinical findings consistent with inflammation of these specific musculoskeletal tissues.

• Ensure documentation clearly links the musculoskeletal inflammation to a confirmed syphilis infection.
• Do not use this code for non-syphilitic inflammatory conditions of the synovium, tendon, or bursa (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, traumatic bursitis).
• Consider sequencing this code after the primary syphilis diagnosis (if applicable and still active) or as the primary diagnosis if the musculoskeletal involvement is the reason for the encounter.