ICD-10 Code for Instability

The ICD-10-CM 2027 alphabetic index lists instability with the subterms below. More specific codes depend on the details documented, as listed in the official index (17 codes, 9 billable).

Index entries for Instability

emotional (excessive) – F60.3
housing
- housed – Z59.819
  - with risk of homelessness – Z59.811
  - homelessness in past 12 months – Z59.812
joint (post-traumatic) – M25.30
- ankle – M25.37- (header)
- due to old ligament injury – see Disorder, ligament
- elbow – M25.32- (header)
- flail – see Flail, joint
- foot – M25.37- (header)
- hand – M25.34- (header)
- hip – M25.35- (header)
- knee – M25.36- (header)
- lumbosacral
- prosthesis – see Complications, joint prosthesis, mechanical, displacement, by site
- sacroiliac
- secondary to
  - old ligament injury – see Disorder, ligament
  - removal of joint prosthesis – M96.89
- shoulder (region) – M25.31- (header)
- specified site NEC – M25.39
- spine
- wrist – M25.33- (header)
knee (chronic) – M23.5- (header)
lumbosacral
nervous – F48.8
personality (emotional) – F60.3
spine – see Instability, joint, spine
vasomotor – R55

How to choose the right code

Start with the main term, then pick the indented subterm that matches the documentation (type, cause, site, laterality, episode of care). Always confirm the code in the tabular list: follow its Excludes1/Excludes2, “code first” and “use additional code” notes, and add a 7th character where required.

Source: CDC/NCHS ICD-10-CM FY2027 alphabetic index.