2025 ICD-10-CM code M24.511
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Musculoskeletal - Arthropathies Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99) Feed
Contracture of the right shoulder joint.
Modifiers may be applicable depending on the circumstances of service and the specific treatment provided.Consult payer-specific guidelines.
Medical necessity for the diagnosis and treatment of shoulder contractures is established by the presence of significant pain, functional impairment, and limitation of activities of daily living (ADLs).Conservative treatments should be attempted before considering surgical intervention.Medical records must support the need for intervention based on the patient's clinical presentation and response to less invasive management strategies. Payer policies should be considered.
Diagnosis and treatment of shoulder contracture involves a comprehensive approach by healthcare providers. This includes taking a thorough patient history, performing a physical examination to assess range of motion and joint function, and ordering appropriate imaging studies such as X-rays to rule out any underlying bone pathology.Treatment options can range from conservative management with pain medications, physical therapy, and splinting, to surgical intervention to release tight tissues and restore joint mobility. Post-operative care and rehabilitation are also important aspects of clinical responsibility in managing patients with shoulder contractures.
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99)
- Arthropathies (M00-M25); Other joint disorders (M20-M25)
In simple words: A right shoulder contracture means the shoulder joint has become stiff and tight due to illness, injury, or other reasons. This makes it hard to move the shoulder normally. Doctors diagnose it using physical exams and X-rays. Treatment may include pain relievers, exercises, splints or casts, or surgery in severe cases.
Contracture of the right shoulder joint signifies a loss of elasticity and permanent tightening of the non-bony tissues within the joint (muscles, tendons, ligaments). This is caused by disease, immobilization, scarring from injury or burns, or other factors, leading to restricted range of motion.The condition may cause pain, stiffness, and limited joint mobility. Diagnosis involves patient history, physical examination (range of motion assessment), and imaging (X-rays). Treatment options include analgesics, muscle relaxants, antispasmodics, casting or splinting, physical therapy, and, in severe cases, surgery to release the tightness.
Example 1: A 65-year-old female patient presents with a progressively worsening right shoulder contracture following a rotator cuff tear, resulting in significant pain and limited range of motion.The physician performs a physical exam, orders X-rays, and initiates a course of physical therapy and pain management., A 22-year-old male patient develops a right shoulder contracture after a severe burn injury.Surgical intervention is necessary to release the scar tissue and restore joint mobility, followed by extensive physical therapy., A 40-year-old patient with rheumatoid arthritis experiences a right shoulder contracture secondary to joint inflammation and damage.The physician manages the patient's condition with medication, physical therapy, and considers surgical intervention if conservative treatments prove ineffective.
Detailed patient history including onset and progression of symptoms, mechanism of injury if applicable, prior treatments, and functional limitations.Physical examination documenting range of motion in the right shoulder joint.Imaging studies (X-rays, MRI, ultrasound as clinically indicated).Treatment plans, including medications prescribed, physical therapy sessions, casting or splinting details, and any surgical procedures performed.Progress notes documenting response to treatment and functional improvements.
** This code is highly specific to the right shoulder.If the contracture affects the left shoulder, use the appropriate code (M24.501).
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Orthopedics, Rheumatology, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hand Surgery
- Place of Service:Office, Hospital (Inpatient and Outpatient), Ambulatory Surgical Center, Rehabilitation Facility