Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis, left shoulder

This code signifies a persistent, widespread infection of the bone and bone marrow affecting multiple sites, specifically the left shoulder. Chronic osteomyelitis is characterized by inflammation, bone destruction, and new bone formation, often with periods of remission and exacerbation. "Multifocal" indicates involvement of more than one distinct area within the bone.

Use this code when documentation clearly states chronic multifocal osteomyelitis localized to the left shoulder joint or surrounding bone structures. This diagnosis is typically supported by imaging studies (e.g., X-ray, MRI, bone scan) showing characteristic changes, along with clinical signs and symptoms of chronic infection and possibly positive cultures.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "chronic" and "multifocal" to differentiate from acute or localized forms.
• Verify the laterality is explicitly stated as "left shoulder" to avoid miscoding.
• Consider additional codes for any associated complications, such as pathological fractures or draining sinuses.