Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis, unspecified hand

This code signifies a persistent, long-standing infection of multiple bone sites within the hand, where the specific type of osteomyelitis is not further detailed. It indicates an inflammatory process affecting bone and bone marrow, characterized by its chronic nature and involvement of more than one area of the hand.

Apply this code when documentation clearly states chronic osteomyelitis affecting multiple, unspecified locations within the hand. This diagnosis is supported by imaging findings (e.g., X-ray, MRI) showing multifocal bone infection and clinical signs/symptoms of chronic infection in the hand, without further specification of the causative organism or specific bone involved.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "chronic" and "multifocal" to differentiate from acute or localized osteomyelitis.
• Avoid using this code if a specific bone (e.g., carpal, metacarpal, phalanx) or the causative organism is identified; more specific codes exist.
• Always review for laterality (left, right, bilateral) if specified, as this code is for unspecified laterality.