Osteophyte, right knee

This code describes the presence of an osteophyte, commonly known as a bone spur, specifically located in the right knee joint. An osteophyte is a bony outgrowth that typically forms along joint margins, often in response to joint damage or degeneration. In the knee, it can contribute to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.

Use this code when documentation explicitly identifies an osteophyte in the right knee. This often occurs in the context of osteoarthritis, but can also be an isolated finding. Supporting documentation includes imaging reports (X-ray, MRI) detailing the presence and location of the osteophyte, or physician notes describing a clinical finding of a right knee osteophyte.

• Do not use this code if the osteophyte is a component of a more specific arthropathy, such as osteoarthritis, unless specified as an additional finding.
• Ensure laterality is clearly documented (right vs. left vs. bilateral).
• Consider sequencing this code after a primary diagnosis, such as osteoarthritis (M17.-), if the osteophyte is a manifestation of that condition.