ICD-10-CM Billable Code

S83.01

Lateral subluxation and dislocation of patella

Clinical Classification Guidelines

Medical Intelligence & Overview

Lateral subluxation and dislocation of the patella refer to injuries where the kneecap (patella) moves out of its normal position to the outer side of the knee joint. These conditions can cause significant pain, instability, and difficulty in knee movement. They are common among athletes and individuals engaging in activities that put stress on the knee joint. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate management are essential for recovery and prevention of further injury.

Causes & Symptoms

Clinical Causes: Trauma or direct blow to the knee, such as a fall or a sudden impact Twisting injuries during sports or physical activities Weak or imbalanced muscles around the knee, especially the quadriceps Structural abnormalities like trochlear dysplasia, shallow trochlear groove, or high-riding patella (patella alta) Previous knee injuries or surgeries that weaken ligament stability Participation in high-impact sports or activities that involve sudden turns or jumps

Key Symptoms: Pain around the front or sides of the knee A visible or palpable deformity if the patella is dislocated Swelling and tenderness in the knee area A sensation of the knee giving way or instability Difficulty bearing weight or walking Limited range of motion, especially inability to straighten or bend the knee fully

Diagnostic & Treatment

Diagnosis Path: Diagnosis usually involves a physical examination where the healthcare provider assesses the knee's stability and looks for swelling, deformity, and tenderness. Imaging tests such as X-rays are crucial to confirm the dislocation or subluxation, evaluate the alignment of the bones, and identify any associated injuries to cartilage or ligaments. Sometimes, MRI scans are used for detailed visualization of soft tissue structures around the knee.

Treatment Protocols: Management aims to reduce pain and restore knee stability. Treatment options include: - **Immediate care:** Rest, ice application to reduce swelling, compression, and elevation of the leg. - **Reduction:** If the patella is dislocated, a healthcare professional may manually realign it in a procedure called reduction. - **Immobilization:** Using a knee brace or cast to prevent movement and facilitate healing. - **Medication:** Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. - **Physical therapy:** Once acute symptoms subside, targeted exercises are important to strengthen muscles around the knee and improve stability. - **Surgical intervention:** In cases of recurrent dislocations, anatomical abnormalities, or associated injuries, procedures such as realignment surgeries or reconstruction of ligaments may be necessary to restore proper patellar tracking and stability.

Reimbursement claims with a date of service on or after October 1, 2015 require the use of ICD-10-CM codes.

Clinical Advice & FAQs

Billing Guidance

Is S83.01 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, S83.01 is a specific, billable code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

Documentation

How do I report S83.01?
Clinical documentation must specify the nature of Lateral subluxation and dislocation of patella and any associated comorbidities for accurate reporting.

Cite this Clinical Reference