Chronic multifocal osteomyelitis, unspecified femur

This code signifies a persistent, long-standing infection of the bone marrow and surrounding bone tissue affecting multiple, non-contiguous sites within an unspecified femur. The multifocal nature indicates involvement in more than one distinct area of the same bone, and "chronic" denotes a prolonged course, often with periods of remission and exacerbation.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states chronic multifocal osteomyelitis involving the femur, but the specific laterality (right or left) is not specified. This diagnosis is typically supported by imaging studies (e.g., MRI, X-ray, bone scan) showing characteristic changes, along with clinical signs of chronic infection and possibly positive bone cultures.

• Ensure documentation clearly specifies "chronic" and "multifocal" involvement of the femur.
• Avoid using this code if laterality (right or left femur) is documented; instead, select the more specific code.
• Do not confuse with acute osteomyelitis or osteomyelitis affecting a single site within the femur.