M17.10 – Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, unspecified knee

Learn more about M17.10, the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for unilateral primary osteoarthritis of an unspecified knee.

By Gale Alagos on Jul 16, 2025.

M17.10 diagnosis code: Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, unspecified knee

The M17.10 ICD-10-CM code refers to unilateral primary osteoarthritis unspecified knee, affecting one knee.
This diagnosis implies that the disease started in the knee without influence from an injury or condition elsewhere in the body.
'Unspecified' indicates that the patient's record does not state whether the right knee or left knee is affected.
Primary osteoarthritis is usually associated with aging, as it typically affects older adults.
Risk factors include obesity, family history, previous injury, and abnormal joint or limb development.
This condition is part of diseases of the musculoskeletal system and connective tissue.

M17.10 is a billable code used to specify a medical diagnosis and supports the need for a procedure that has been performed.

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease and the most common type of arthritis.
Osteoarthritis of knee can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joint.
M17.10 represents primary osteoarthritis, not caused by an injury or another disease.
Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination and patient history, and may include imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs.
Treatment generally focuses on managing symptoms and improving or maintaining function in the knee.
Osteoarthritis can also affect other sites like the hip, spine, and first carpometacarpal joint.
Over time, the condition may worsen due to continued wear and tear on the affected joint.

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