M24.369 Pathological dislocation of unspecified knee, not elsewhere classified

ICD-10-CM Code M24.369: Pathological Dislocation of Unspecified Knee

ICD-10-CM code M24.369 identifies a pathological dislocation of an unspecified knee that is not classified elsewhere. The terminology designates this concept as a pathologic function. Related codes in this hierarchy distinguish between right and left knee dislocations, while clinical literature describes patellar dislocation as the kneecap disengaging from its femoral groove. 3 4 1

Plain-language overview

A patellar dislocation occurs when the patella completely disengages from the trochlear groove of the femur. Clinical symptoms developing in patients with patellar instability include anterior knee pain, a subjective feeling of an unstable knee, and locking or catching. 1 2

What this code represents

Code M24.369 is designated with the preferred name of pathological dislocation of unspecified knee, not elsewhere classified. The semantic type assigned to this code within the terminology is a pathologic function. 4

Coding details

The coding hierarchy for pathological knee dislocations includes separate entries for the right knee, the left knee, and the unspecified knee. Code M24.369 specifically represents the pathological dislocation of the unspecified knee. 3

Documentation considerations

Clinical evaluation of patellar instability involves assessing anatomical abnormalities and classifying patients into groups such as objective patellar instability, potential patellar instability, and painful patellar syndrome. True sagittal, axial, and anteroposterior radiographic views are evaluated for this assessment. 2

When uncertainty exists regarding a diagnosis based on history, clinical examination, and radiographs, diagnosis is based solely on MRI. Confirmation of the diagnosis and assessment of injury to the medial patellofemoral ligament are also made using MRI. 1

What the sources add

The CMS source provides the specific ICD-10-CM code hierarchy and labels, while the EVS Explore source provides the semantic type of pathologic function. The PMC sources add clinical context regarding how patellar dislocations are defined and evaluated. 3 4 1 2

Clinical literature distinguishes between objective, potential, and painful patellar instability syndromes based on documented dislocations and anatomic factors. In contrast, the CMS source distinguishes knee dislocations strictly by right, left, or unspecified laterality without clinical syndrome grouping. 2 3

Sources

1. Surgical versus non‐surgical interventions for treating patellar dislocation — pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; accessed 2026-07-25.
2. Updated treatment guidelines for patellar instability: “un menu à la carte” — pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; accessed 2026-07-25.
3. ICD-10-CM/PCS MS-DRG v44.0 Definitions Manual — cms.gov; accessed 2026-07-25.
4. EVS Explore — evsexplore.semantics.cancer.gov; accessed 2026-07-25.