Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis, unspecified humerus

This code describes a persistent, widespread bone infection affecting multiple sites within the humerus, where the specific side (left or right) is not documented. It signifies a long-standing inflammatory process within the bone tissue, often leading to bone destruction and new bone formation.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates chronic osteomyelitis affecting the humerus, with involvement of multiple, non-contiguous sites, and the laterality of the humerus is not specified. This typically applies to cases where imaging (e.g., X-ray, MRI) and/or biopsy confirm multifocal, chronic infection.

• Ensure documentation specifies "chronic" and "multifocal" involvement of the humerus.
• Avoid using this code if laterality (left or right humerus) is documented; instead, choose the more specific code.
• Do not use for acute osteomyelitis or osteomyelitis affecting a single site.