Sprains and strains of other specified sites of knee and leg

This code signifies a sprain or strain affecting specific anatomical areas of the knee and leg not otherwise classified. This includes injuries to ligaments, tendons, or muscles in regions such as the patella, popliteal fossa, or other defined areas of the lower leg, excluding ankle and foot. It represents acute or subacute soft tissue injuries resulting from overstretching or tearing.

Apply this code when documentation specifies a sprain or strain to a particular site of the knee or leg that is not covered by more specific codes for cruciate ligaments, collateral ligaments, or other common knee injuries. Examples include sprains of the patellar ligament, strains of the popliteus muscle, or other specified ligamentous/muscular injuries of the lower leg. Documentation should clearly identify the injured structure and its location.

• Ensure the documentation specifies a site other than the cruciate or collateral ligaments of the knee, or general knee/leg sprains.
• Distinguish between sprains (ligamentous) and strains (muscular/tendinous); this code covers both for these specified sites.
• Avoid using this code if a more specific ICD-9-CM code exists for the documented knee or leg injury.