What is the ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision) code for a ganglion cyst on the anterior shin?

ICD-10 Code for Ganglion Cyst on Anterior Shin

The ICD-10 code for a ganglion cyst on the anterior shin is M67.469 (Ganglion, unspecified lower leg).

Specific Code Selection

• M67.469 is the appropriate code when the ganglion cyst is located on the lower leg (which includes the shin/anterior tibial region) and laterality is unspecified 1, 2

• If laterality is documented, use:

  • M67.461 for right lower leg
  • M67.462 for left lower leg 1, 2

Anatomical Coding Considerations

• The anterior shin falls under the "lower leg" anatomical category in ICD-10, not the ankle/foot category, which is critical for proper code assignment 1, 2

• Ganglion cysts in the lower extremity are less common than wrist/hand locations but do occur around joints, tendons, and ligaments of the knee, ankle, and feet 3, 1

• Do not use M67.47x codes (ankle and foot), as the anterior shin is proximal to the ankle joint 4

Documentation Requirements

• Ensure clinical documentation specifies:

  • Exact anatomical location (anterior shin/lower leg)
  • Laterality (right vs left) when known
  • Whether the cyst is symptomatic or asymptomatic 1, 5

• If the ganglion cyst is associated with a specific tendon (such as tibialis anterior tenosynovitis), this should be documented separately but the primary code remains M67.46x 4

Common Coding Pitfalls

• Avoid using unspecified joint codes when the specific lower leg location is documented 1, 2

• Do not confuse with Baker's cyst (M71.2), which is specifically a popliteal cyst behind the knee, not an anterior shin ganglion 4

• Ganglion cysts lack synovial epithelial lining and develop from mucoid degeneration of connective tissue, distinguishing them from true synovial cysts 1