Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis, right hand

This code signifies a persistent, long-term infection of the bone marrow and surrounding bone tissue affecting multiple distinct areas within the right hand. It indicates an ongoing inflammatory process that has not resolved acutely and involves more than one bone or region within the hand.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states chronic osteomyelitis involving multiple sites within the right hand. This diagnosis is typically supported by imaging studies (e.g., X-ray, MRI) showing characteristic bone changes, positive cultures, and a prolonged clinical course.

• Ensure documentation specifies "chronic" and "multifocal" within the right hand; otherwise, a different osteomyelitis code may be more appropriate.
• Do not use for acute osteomyelitis or osteomyelitis affecting a single site in the hand.
• Always review operative reports and pathology findings for definitive diagnosis and laterality.