Chronic osteomyelitis with draining sinus, unspecified hand

This code signifies a persistent, long-term infection of the bone in an unspecified hand, characterized by the presence of a draining sinus tract. The sinus indicates a chronic inflammatory process with a pathway for pus or exudate to escape from the infected bone to the skin surface. This condition often results from inadequately treated acute osteomyelitis or open fractures.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates chronic osteomyelitis affecting the hand, specifically mentioning a draining sinus. This diagnosis is typically supported by clinical examination findings of a persistent draining wound, imaging studies (X-ray, MRI) showing bone changes consistent with chronic infection, and possibly culture results from the sinus discharge.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "chronic" osteomyelitis and the presence of a "draining sinus" in the hand.
• Avoid using this code if the laterality (left or right hand) is specified; instead, use the more specific codes M86.441 or M86.442.
• Do not use for acute osteomyelitis or chronic osteomyelitis without a draining sinus; separate codes exist for those conditions.