M17: Gonarthrosis [arthrosis of knee]

M17.9: Gonarthrosis, unspecified

The knee joint connects the thighbone (femur) to the lower leg. The kneecap is also part of the knee joint. There are 2 bones in the lower leg. These bones are called the tibia (shinbone) and fibula. There is also a joint immediately below the knee joint between the tibia and fibula.

With arthrosis, the cartilage in the joint wears away. Cartilage covers the end of the bones that are connected to one another in the joint. Its smooth surface prevents the bones from rubbing against one another. With advancing age, the cartilage can wear away. This can happen more quickly if a joint is subjected to greater loads than usual.

Arthrosis can be accompanied by typical symptoms, such as pain in the joint. It may also no longer be possible to move the joint as usual.