Find information on sacroiliac joint dysfunction diagnosis, including SI joint pain, dysfunction, and inflammation. Learn about relevant medical coding (ICD-10 M54.6) and clinical documentation best practices for sacroiliac joint syndrome, sacroiliitis, and lower back pain. Explore resources for healthcare professionals addressing SI joint problems, pain management, and treatment options.
Also known as
Sacroiliac joint disorders
Pain and dysfunction specifically in the sacroiliac joint.
Other dorsalgia
Pain in the back, including the sacroiliac region, not elsewhere classified.
Sacrococcygeal disorders
Pain and dysfunction in the area including the sacrum and coccyx.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the sacroiliac dysfunction traumatic?
Yes
Dislocation/subluxation?
No
Ankylosing spondylitis related?
When to use each related code
Description |
---|
Sacroiliac joint pain |
Lumbar spondylosis |
Piriformis syndrome |
Coding sacroiliac dysfunction without specifying right, left, or bilateral can lead to claim denials and inaccurate reporting. Use ICD-10-CM codes like S33.1XXA-S33.1XXD.
Lack of documentation supporting the medical necessity of procedures or therapies related to sacroiliac dysfunction may trigger audits and reimbursement issues. Ensure clear documentation linking diagnosis and treatment.
Using unspecified codes like M53.1 when more specific diagnoses like ankylosing spondylitis (M45) are applicable can lead to underpayment and data integrity concerns. Proper CDI ensures accurate code assignment.
Patient presents with complaints of low back pain, localized to the sacroiliac joint region, possibly radiating to the buttock, groin, or thigh. Symptoms may include pain with weight-bearing activities, prolonged standing or sitting, and transitional movements such as rising from a chair or climbing stairs. On physical examination, tenderness to palpation over the sacroiliac joint, positive provocation tests such as the FABER test, Gaenslen's test, or compression distraction test, and restricted range of motion in the lumbar spine may be observed. Differential diagnosis includes lumbar disc herniation, piriformis syndrome, and hip osteoarthritis. Diagnosis of sacroiliac joint dysfunction is based on clinical findings, with imaging such as X-ray, MRI, or CT scan generally not indicated unless there is suspicion of underlying pathology. Treatment plan may include conservative management with physical therapy focusing on core strengthening, stretching, and mobilization of the sacroiliac joint, as well as pain management with NSAIDs, analgesics, or muscle relaxants. Sacroiliac joint injections, including corticosteroid injections or prolotherapy, may be considered for patients who do not respond to conservative treatment. Patient education on proper body mechanics and activity modification is crucial. Follow-up care is recommended to monitor symptom improvement and adjust treatment as needed. The patient's prognosis for recovery from sacroiliac joint dysfunction is generally good with appropriate management.