Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis, left femur

This code signifies a persistent, widespread infection of the bone and bone marrow affecting multiple sites within the left femur. It indicates an ongoing inflammatory process, often characterized by periods of exacerbation and remission, rather than an acute, localized infection.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates a chronic osteomyelitis involving multiple foci within the left femur. Supporting documentation should detail the chronicity of the infection, often with imaging findings (e.g., MRI, bone scan) showing multifocal involvement and clinical notes describing long-standing symptoms or recurrent infections.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "chronic" and "multifocal" involvement of the left femur; otherwise, a more general or acute osteomyelitis code may be appropriate.
• Distinguish from acute osteomyelitis (M86.0-) or other forms of chronic osteomyelitis (M86.6-) that are not multifocal.
• Always review for any associated infectious agents (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus) which would require an additional code from Chapter 1.