Osteoarthritis Right Knee ICD-10-CM Codes

Learn about the specific ICD-10-CM codes for osteoarthritis of the right knee, including diagnosis codes and medical billing information.

By Wynona Jugueta on Aug 8, 2025.

Fact Checked by Gale Alagos.

Use Code

What ICD-10 codes are used for osteoarthritis right knee?

Osteoarthritis (OA), mainly when it affects the right knee, can significantly impact a person's mobility and quality of life. Here are the osteoarthritis right knee ICD codes most often used to describe this condition:

M17.11 - Unilateral primary osteoarthritis, right knee: This code is used for primary osteoarthritis affecting only the right knee.
M17.31 - Unilateral post-traumatic osteoarthritis, right knee: This code is applied when the right knee osteoarthritis has developed after an injury or trauma.
M17.51 Other unilateral secondary osteoarthritis, right knee‍: This code is used for secondary OA (e.g., due to gout, infection) in the right knee.

Which osteoarthritis right knee ICD codes are billable?

The following Osteoarthritis Right Knee ICD codes are typically billable:

M17.11: Yes, it's billable when primary osteoarthritis affects only the right knee.
M17.31: Yes, this code can be billed when the right knee osteoarthritis has resulted from an injury or trauma.
‍M17.51 Other unilateral secondary osteoarthritis, right knee‍: Yes, this code is billable for secondary OA.

Clinical information

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, affecting millions worldwide. When it involves the knee, such as in unilateral secondary osteoarthritis of the left knee or degenerative joint disease in the unspecified knee, it can lead to persistent knee pain, stiffness, and restricted mobility, impacting daily activities and overall quality of life. OA often develops gradually from wear and tear but may also arise after a current injury, especially in post-traumatic cases.
In osteoarthritis, the cartilage within the knee joint breaks down over time. As it deteriorates, the protective space between bones narrows, causing bones to rub together, often producing painful bone spurs. In more severe cases, damage can extend to the lateral meniscus, leading to delayed healing and worsening symptoms over initial and subsequent encounters.
Contributing factors include obesity, aging, previous trauma, and genetics. Chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or bilateral post-traumatic osteoarthritis can also accelerate degeneration. Effective treatment options include physical therapy, weight management, and pain relief medications.
In advanced stages, surgical interventions like total knee replacement may be necessary. OA can also impact other joints, such as the first carpometacarpal joint in the hand, particularly in secondary OA cases.

Synonyms include:

Osteoarthritis right knee
Right knee OA
Right knee osteoarthritis

Commonly asked questions

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that causes the breakdown of cartilage, leading to joint pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It is the most common form of arthritis and can affect any joint, especially weight-bearing ones like the knees. It can be unilateral or also involve both knees such as in other bilateral secondary osteoarthritis.

Factors such as aging, obesity, joint overuse, previous knee injuries, and genetic predisposition can all contribute to osteoarthritis in the right knee. Structural abnormalities or conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and unilateral secondary osteoarthritis may also play a role.

Treatment options include pain relief medications, physical therapy, weight management, and supportive devices like braces. In severe cases, interventions such as total knee replacement may be considered for lasting relief.

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