Unilateral Primary Osteoarthritis, Left Knee (ICD Code M17.12)

Name of the Condition

• Commonly known as Left Knee Osteoarthritis
• Medical term: Unilateral Primary Osteoarthritis of the Left Knee

Summary

Unilateral primary osteoarthritis of the left knee is a degenerative joint disease characterized by the breakdown of cartilage and underlying bone in the left knee joint, resulting in pain and stiffness. It affects only one knee and is considered a common form of arthritis, particularly in aging populations.

Causes

• Wear and tear over time leading to joint degeneration
• Previous joint injuries
• Development of osteoarthritis due to an imbalance in joint repair mechanisms

Risk Factors

• Age: More common in older adults
• Obesity: Increased weight adds stress to the knee joints
• Gender: Women are more likely to develop osteoarthritis
• Occupational or physical activities that stress the knees
• Genetic predisposition

Symptoms

• Persistent knee pain, especially during movement
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for long periods
• Swelling and tenderness around the joint
• Reduced range of motion
• Crepitus or a grating sensation during movement

Diagnosis

• Physical examination assessing joint tenderness, swelling, and range of motion
• Imaging tests such as X-rays to view joint space and bony changes
• MRI may be used for a detailed image if needed
• Patient history and symptom review

Treatment Options

• Medications: Pain relievers like acetaminophen or NSAIDs to reduce pain and inflammation
• Physical Therapy: Helps improve strength and flexibility
• Weight Management: Reducing weight helps decrease stress on the knee
• Corticosteroid Injections: To reduce inflammation
• Surgery: In severe cases, procedures like knee arthroscopy or knee replacement may be recommended

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Osteoarthritis is a chronic condition; management helps improve quality of life
• Regular check-ups are essential for monitoring progress and adjusting treatments
• Non-surgical interventions often slow progression and relieve symptoms

Complications

• Increased risk of falls due to reduced mobility and joint instability
• Severe loss of knee function
• Impact on overall quality of life due to chronic pain

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce knee stress
• Engage in low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling
• Use assistive devices like canes if necessary
• Avoid repetitive stress on the knees

When to Seek Professional Help

• Persistent or worsening pain that interferes with daily activities
• Sudden swelling, redness, or inability to move the knee
• Signs of infection around the joint area

Additional Resources

• Arthritis Foundation: arthritis.org
• American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: orthoinfo.aaos.org

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure specification of the affected knee (left in this case) when coding
• Avoid misinterpreting as bilateral osteoarthritis or osteoarthritis of another joint
• Verify ICD updates or changes related to osteoarthritis coding