Name of the Condition

• Patellofemoral Disorders, Left Knee
• Commonly referred to as patellofemoral pain syndrome or chondromalacia patella.

Summary

Patellofemoral disorders are conditions that affect the joint between the patella (kneecap) and the femur (thigh bone), particularly noticeable in the left knee. These disorders can cause pain around the kneecap and are commonly linked to overuse, muscle imbalances, or injuries.

Causes

• Overuse from activities involving frequent knee bending like running or jumping.
• Trauma or injury to the knee.
• Misalignment of the knee joint or abnormal tracking of the kneecap.
• Weak or unbalanced quadriceps muscles.

Risk Factors

• Adolescents and young adults, especially athletes.
• Females are more prone to developing this condition.
• Individuals with a history of knee injuries or surgeries.
• High-impact sports participation.

Symptoms

• Pain around or behind the kneecap, especially when bending the knee.
• Crunching or popping sounds during knee movement.
• Knee stiffness or a feeling of giving way.

Diagnosis

• Physical examination focusing on knee movement and pain assessment.
• Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRI to visualize the knee joint.
• Assessment of gait and biomechanics.

Treatment Options

• Physical therapy to strengthen and balance muscles around the knee.
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain and swelling.
• Orthotics or braces to support the knee.
• Surgery in severe cases to correct alignment or repair damage.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Many patients experience improvement with conservative treatment and lifestyle adjustments.
• Regular monitoring and check-ups to assess the effectiveness of treatment and adjust as necessary.

Complications

• Chronic knee pain or further injury due to changes in gait.
• Progression to osteoarthritis if not adequately managed.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Regularly performing exercises to strengthen and stretch leg muscles.
• Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce knee stress.
• Using appropriate footwear and orthotics to improve alignment.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Persistent knee pain or swelling.
• Difficulty performing daily activities due to knee discomfort.
• Symptoms worsen despite home care and over-the-counter medications.

Additional Resources

• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
• Arthritis Foundation
• National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure the laterality of the knee condition is correctly coded as left (M22.2X2).
• Verify accompanying documentation to confirm diagnosis and specifics of the disorder.
• Be cautious of potential coding overlaps with general knee pain or injuries.