Recurrent dislocation of patella, unspecified knee

This code signifies a patellar dislocation that has occurred multiple times in the same knee, where the specific knee (left or right) is not documented. It indicates an instability of the kneecap that leads to its repeated displacement from the trochlear groove.

Use this code when the medical record clearly states a history of recurrent patellar dislocation without specifying laterality. This typically applies when a patient presents with symptoms of instability or a new dislocation, and the physician notes previous episodes but does not identify which knee is affected.

• Always query the provider for laterality if not documented, as more specific codes exist for left (M22.01) and right (M22.02) knee.
• Do not use this code for an initial or acute patellar dislocation; refer to codes in the S83.0 category for acute traumatic dislocations.
• Consider co-reporting with codes for underlying conditions contributing to recurrent dislocation, such as patellar instability (M22.4-) or trochlear dysplasia, if documented.