M73.1: Syphilitic bursitis

Syphilitic bursitis, denoted under the ICD-10 WHO 2016 classification as M73.1, is a unique medical condition caused by the bacterium Treponema pallidum, which is responsible for the sexually transmitted infection known as syphilis. This specific type of bursitis, which is an inflammation or swelling of the bursae, is caused by the syphilis bacterium infecting these fluid-filled sacs that cushion areas around joints. Symptoms of syphilitic bursitis may include joint pain, swelling, and stiffness, particularly in large joints, like the knee, hip, elbow, or shoulder. As syphilis progresses, if untreated, it can spread to various body systems, potentially leading to syphilitic bursitis. This condition is a manifestation of tertiary syphilis, which is the final stage of the disease and can occur years or even decades after the initial infection.