ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for knee puncture
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Puncture › knee”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding knee puncture
The ICD-10-CM code for knee puncture is S81.039 (Puncture wound without foreign body, unspecified knee). The official index lists 5 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on S81.039.
Within S81.03, choose S81.039 (unspecified knee) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: right knee (S81.031) and left knee (S81.032).
Codes in this range require a 7th character: A for initial encounter, D for subsequent encounter and S for sequela. Use placeholder "X" characters to fill any empty positions before the 7th character.
It has been part of ICD-10-CM since the code set took effect on October 1, 2015 and hasn't changed since.
More specific knee puncture codes (official index)
- with foreign body S81.049 — Puncture wound with foreign body, unspecified knee
- left S81.032 — Puncture wound without foreign body, left knee
- with foreign body S81.042 — Puncture wound with foreign body, left knee
- right S81.031 — Puncture wound without foreign body, right knee
- with foreign body S81.041 — Puncture wound with foreign body, right knee
Common questions about knee puncture ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for knee puncture?
- S81.039 — Puncture wound without foreign body, unspecified knee (a header code; report a more specific subcode). More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: S81.049, S81.032, S81.042, S81.031 and others below.
What is the ICD-10 code for left knee puncture?
- S81.032 — Puncture wound without foreign body, left knee (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
What is the ICD-10 code for right knee puncture?
- S81.031 — Puncture wound without foreign body, right knee (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
Is S81.039 billable?
- No. S81.039 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.