Osteonecrosis due to drugs, unspecified humerus

This code signifies the death of bone tissue in an unspecified humerus due to the adverse effects of medication. This condition, also known as avascular necrosis, results from an interruption of blood supply to the bone, leading to bone collapse and joint destruction.

Apply this code when documentation explicitly states osteonecrosis of the humerus is drug-induced, but the specific humerus (left or right) is not identified. Supporting documentation should include a definitive diagnosis of osteonecrosis and a clear causal link to drug therapy.

• Ensure the documentation specifies the humerus as the affected site; otherwise, a more general code for osteonecrosis due to drugs might be appropriate.
• Do not use this code if the laterality (left or right humerus) is documented; instead, select the more specific M87.121 or M87.122.
• Always sequence an external cause code (T36-T50) to identify the specific drug causing the osteonecrosis, if known.