Infection of intervertebral disc (pyogenic), lumbar region

This code signifies a bacterial infection affecting the intervertebral disc in the lumbar spine. This condition, often referred to as discitis or spondylodiscitis, involves inflammation and destruction of the disc tissue due to a pyogenic (pus-forming) organism.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states a pyogenic infection of the lumbar intervertebral disc. This typically occurs in cases of hematogenous spread, post-surgical complications, or direct inoculation. Supporting documentation should include imaging findings (e.g., MRI showing disc space narrowing, endplate erosion, or abscess) and/or positive culture results.

• Do not use this code for non-infectious disc inflammation or degenerative disc disease.
• Always code the underlying infectious organism (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus) as an additional diagnosis, if identified.
• Consider sequencing this code as the primary diagnosis if the disc infection is the main reason for the encounter.