Lateral subluxation of unspecified patella, sequela

This code signifies a long-term complication or residual effect stemming from a prior lateral subluxation of the patella, where the specific knee (left or right) is not documented. It indicates that the patient is experiencing ongoing issues directly attributable to an old injury where the kneecap partially slipped out of its groove to the outer side of the knee.

Apply this code when documenting a patient presenting with chronic symptoms, such as persistent pain, instability, or recurrent giving way, that are directly linked to a previously diagnosed lateral patellar subluxation. This is appropriate for follow-up encounters addressing the lasting consequences of the original injury, rather than an acute event.

• Always ensure documentation clearly links the current condition to a past lateral patellar subluxation.
• If the laterality (left or right knee) is specified in the documentation, a more specific code should be used.
• This code is for sequelae; do not use it for acute or current subluxations.