ASC Coding Education: Knee Diagnoses & Procedures
Posted on 18. Oct, 2009 by Editor in Coder's Cranium
Choose this ICD-9 code if you see ‘jumper’s knee’ in the orthopedic surgeon’s note.
Here’s a handy introduction to common ICD-9 codes related to the knee, along with examples of CPT codes for procedures physicians perform to treat knee diagnoses.
Chondromalacia Patella
Chondromalacia patella (717.7) is also known as “patellofemoral syndrome” or “runner’s knee.” This condition results when the cartilage under the patient’s patella becomes damaged and causes pain particularly when the patient climbs stairs or bends his knee.
This is a common condition among runners or other athletes who jump, squat or climb. But chondromalacia patella can also be associated with arthritis, so the condition affects patients in all age groups.
When NSAIDs, physical therapy and rest do not alleviate the patient’s symptoms, the surgeon may opt to perform arthroscopic lateral release (29873) or chondroplasty (27425) to repair the damage.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome
When a patient’s distal iliotibial band causes an excessive amount of friction as it slides over the lateral femoral epicondyle during knee extension, the patient may suffer from iliotibial band syndrome (728.89). This condition, which usually affects athletes such as runners and cyclists, is characterized by pain localized over the lateral femoral epicondyle that occurs during vigorous knee movement.
When conservative treatments are ineffective, the surgeon may perform surgery, such as an iliotibial band release (27305).
Ligament Injuries
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) connect the femur to the tibia. These ligaments are inside the knee joint. The ACL controls rotation and forward movement of the femur, and the PCL controls backward movement of the tibia.
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) provides stability to the inside of the knee, and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) stabilizes the knee’s outer side.
For an ACL injury, the surgeon will usually perform an...
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