Chronic osteomyelit w draining sinus, unsp tibia and fibula

This code signifies a persistent, long-term infection of the bone in an unspecified tibia or fibula, characterized by the presence of a draining sinus tract. The sinus indicates a chronic inflammatory process where pus and necrotic debris are continuously discharged from the infected bone to the skin surface.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates chronic osteomyelitis affecting either the tibia or fibula, and a draining sinus is present, but the specific bone (tibia or fibula) is not identified. Supporting documentation would include physician notes detailing the chronicity of the infection, the presence of a draining sinus, and imaging reports confirming osteomyelitis of the lower leg bones without further specificity.

• Ensure documentation specifies "chronic" osteomyelitis and the presence of a "draining sinus." Acute osteomyelitis or osteomyelitis without a draining sinus would require a different code.
• If the specific bone (tibia or fibula) is identified, a more specific code from the M86.46- subcategory should be used.
• Always review operative reports and pathology findings, if available, for definitive diagnosis and laterality.