ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for cartilage softening
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Softening › cartilage”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding cartilage softening
The ICD-10-CM code for cartilage softening is M94.2 (Chondromalacia). The official index lists 1 more specific code, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on M94.2.
Within M94 (other disorders of cartilage), M94.2 is specifically for Chondromalacia. Related codes cover Chondrocostal junction syndrome [Tietze] (M94.0), relapsing polychondritis (M94.1), Chondrolysis (M94.3), other specified disorders of cartilage (M94.8) and disorder of cartilage, unspecified (M94.9).
To report this condition, pick the subcode that matches the documentation: M94.20 (unspecified site), M94.21 (shoulder), M94.22 (elbow), M94.23 (wrist), M94.24 (joints of hand), M94.25 (hip), M94.26 (knee), M94.27 (ankle and joints of foot) and 2 more.
Don't report M94.2 together with the conditions in its Excludes1 note: chondromalacia patellae (M22.4).
More specific cartilage softening codes (official index)
- patella M22.4 — Chondromalacia patellae
Don't confuse with (Excludes1 for M94.2)
- chondromalacia patellae (M22.4)
Common questions about cartilage softening ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for cartilage softening?
- M94.2 — Chondromalacia (a header code; report a more specific subcode). More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: M22.4.
What is the ICD-10 code for patella cartilage softening?
- M22.4 — Chondromalacia patellae (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
Is M94.2 billable?
- No. M94.2 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.