ICD-11 Codes
for FA01.2 - Other secondary osteoarthritis of knee

Teodor Jurukovski January 1, 1970

Fact checked by: Teodor Jurukovski

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Understanding Other Secondary Osteoarthritis of Knee (ICD-11 Code FA01.2)

Other secondary osteoarthritis of the knee, identified by the ICD-11 code FA01.2, refers to the degeneration of knee joint cartilage that occurs as a result of an underlying condition, injury, or abnormality. Unlike primary osteoarthritis, which has no identifiable cause, secondary osteoarthritis of the knee is directly linked to a specific pre-existing factor. This condition can significantly impact joint function and quality of life.

Common Symptoms and Presentation of Knee Osteoarthritis

Patients experiencing secondary osteoarthritis of the knee often report a range of symptoms, which can vary in intensity depending on the underlying cause and the progression of the condition. Key indicators include:

• Knee pain, which may worsen with activity and improve with rest.
• Stiffness in the knee joint, particularly after periods of inactivity or upon waking.
• Swelling or a feeling of puffiness around the knee.
• A grinding or cracking sensation when moving the knee.
• A sense of instability or the knee feeling like it might give way.
• Reduced range of motion in the knee joint.

These symptoms can affect daily activities, making movements like walking, climbing stairs, or squatting challenging.

Causes and Risk Factors for Secondary Osteoarthritis of the Knee

The ICD-11 code FA01.2 specifically denotes osteoarthritis of the knee that arises due to identifiable secondary causes. These can include:

• Previous injuries: Traumatic events such as ligament tears, meniscal injuries, or fractures around the knee joint.
• Congenital abnormalities: Structural issues present from birth affecting the knee joint's alignment or development.
• Other medical conditions: Diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, metabolic disorders (e.g., hemochromatosis, ochronosis), or infections that can damage joint cartilage.
• Surgical procedures: Previous knee surgeries that may alter joint mechanics or cartilage integrity.
• Abnormal joint stress: Conditions leading to uneven distribution of force across the knee, such as malalignment (e.g., varus or valgus deformities).

Factors such as obesity, age, and genetics can also contribute to the development or progression of secondary knee OA.

Diagnosis of Knee Osteoarthritis

Diagnosing other secondary osteoarthritis of the knee typically involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional. This process usually includes:

• Medical History: Detailed discussion of symptoms, onset, duration, and any known injuries or underlying medical conditions.
• Physical Examination: Assessment of the knee's range of motion, stability, tenderness, and any visible swelling or deformities.
• Imaging Tests: X-rays are commonly used to visualise joint space narrowing, osteophytes (bone spurs), and subchondral sclerosis. MRI or CT scans may be employed for a more detailed view of cartilage, ligaments, and other soft tissues, especially when investigating the underlying cause.

Identifying the specific secondary cause is crucial for accurate diagnosis and management planning.

Treatment and Management Considerations

Management for other secondary osteoarthritis of the knee (FA01.2) focuses on alleviating symptoms, improving function, and addressing the underlying cause where possible. Treatment strategies may include:

• Lifestyle Modifications: Weight management to reduce stress on the knee, and activity modification to avoid aggravating movements.
• Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises to strengthen supporting muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance joint stability.
• Medications: Pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen, NSAIDs) to manage discomfort and inflammation.
• Injections: Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections may provide temporary relief from pain and inflammation.
• Assistive Devices: Braces or orthotics to support the knee and improve alignment.
• Surgical Options: In severe cases, procedures like osteotomy, partial knee replacement, or total knee replacement may be considered.

The treatment plan is tailored to the individual patient's condition, the severity of OA, and the identified secondary cause.

Documentation and Coding for FA01.2

Accurate documentation is essential for correct medical coding and billing. When coding for other secondary osteoarthritis of the knee using ICD-11 code FA01.2, healthcare providers should ensure clinical documentation clearly specifies the secondary cause of the osteoarthritis. This may involve linking FA01.2 with codes that describe the underlying condition or injury. For billing and reporting purposes, using the precise ICD-11 code ensures that the patient's condition is accurately represented, facilitating appropriate reimbursement and data analysis. The ICD-11 code for other secondary osteoarthritis of the knee, FA01.2, is a key identifier for this specific diagnosis.