Other acute osteomyelitis, unspecified shoulder

This code signifies an acute inflammatory process of the bone and bone marrow in the shoulder, caused by an infection, when the specific type of osteomyelitis is not further specified. It indicates a sudden onset and rapid progression of the infection affecting the shoulder joint region.

Use this code for patients presenting with symptoms of acute shoulder osteomyelitis where the causative organism or specific type of osteomyelitis (e.g., hematogenous, post-traumatic) is not documented. Documentation should clearly state "acute osteomyelitis" of the shoulder without further specification.

• Ensure documentation specifies "acute" osteomyelitis; chronic osteomyelitis codes are distinct.
• If the specific shoulder (right or left) is known, a more specific code (M86.111 or M86.112) should be used.
• Always look for documentation of the infectious agent (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus) to potentially code an additional organism.