Chondromalacia patellae, unspecified knee

This code represents a degenerative condition affecting the cartilage on the undersurface of the kneecap (patella), characterized by softening and breakdown of the articular cartilage. It results in anterior knee pain, often exacerbated by activity or prolonged sitting. This specific code indicates that the laterality of the affected knee is not documented.

Use this code when the physician's documentation clearly states a diagnosis of chondromalacia patellae but does not specify whether it affects the right or left knee. This code is appropriate when the clinical findings and symptoms align with patellofemoral pain syndrome due to cartilage degeneration, and laterality is unknown or not recorded.

• Always query the provider for laterality if not documented to allow for a more specific code (M22.41 or M22.42).
• Do not use this code if the documentation specifies the affected knee (right or left); instead, use the appropriate laterality-specific code.
• Consider co-reporting with codes for associated symptoms like knee pain (M25.56-) if documented and not inherent to the chondromalacia diagnosis.