Osteomyelitis of vertebra, lumbosacral region

This code signifies an infection of the vertebral bone within the lower back and sacrum. It represents an inflammatory process, typically bacterial, affecting the bony structures of the lumbar and sacral spine. This condition can lead to bone destruction and instability in the lumbosacral region.

Assign this code when documentation explicitly states osteomyelitis affecting the lumbar or sacral vertebrae. This diagnosis is supported by imaging studies (e.g., MRI, CT) showing vertebral bone infection and clinical findings such as localized pain, fever, and elevated inflammatory markers.

• Specify the infectious agent if known, using an additional code from B95-B97.
• Distinguish from discitis (M46.4-) or spondylodiscitis (M46.3-) unless osteomyelitis of the vertebra is also present.
• Ensure the documentation clearly identifies the lumbosacral region as the affected site.