Chondromalacia, unspecified knee

This code signifies a softening and breakdown of the cartilage on the undersurface of the kneecap (patella), leading to pain and dysfunction. It represents a general diagnosis of chondromalacia affecting the knee without specifying which knee is involved.

Use this code when documentation indicates chondromalacia of the knee, but the medical record does not specify laterality (left or right). This is appropriate when the provider's assessment or diagnostic imaging reports confirm the condition without a laterality designation.

• Avoid using this code if laterality is documented; instead, use the more specific codes for chondromalacia of the right (M94.261) or left (M94.262) knee.
• Ensure the documentation clearly supports chondromalacia as the diagnosis, rather than other forms of knee pain or arthritis.
• This code should be used when the specific type of chondromalacia (e.g., patellofemoral syndrome) is not further specified.