Patellofemoral disorders, left knee

This code signifies a range of conditions affecting the patellofemoral joint of the left knee, where the kneecap (patella) articulates with the thigh bone (femur). These disorders often involve pain, instability, or maltracking of the patella, leading to functional limitations.

Apply this code when documentation specifies a patellofemoral disorder affecting the left knee, such as patellar maltracking, chondromalacia patellae, or patellar instability, without further specification of laterality or type. Supporting documentation should clearly indicate the left knee as the affected joint and diagnose a patellofemoral issue.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "left knee" for accurate laterality assignment.
• If a more specific patellofemoral condition is documented (e.g., recurrent dislocation), use the more precise code from the M22 category.
• This code is for unspecified patellofemoral disorders of the left knee; avoid using it if a definitive diagnosis and laterality are known and have a more specific code.