Other secondary osteonecrosis of left carpus

This code signifies the death of bone tissue in the left wrist, specifically the carpal bones, that is not due to a primary cause. This osteonecrosis is a consequence of another underlying condition, such as trauma, steroid use, or a systemic disease, leading to a disruption of blood supply to the carpus.

Assign this code when documentation clearly indicates secondary osteonecrosis affecting the carpal bones of the left wrist, and the specific carpal bone is not further specified or is multifocal. This code is appropriate when the etiology is identified as secondary, distinguishing it from idiopathic or primary forms.

• Always code the underlying condition causing the secondary osteonecrosis first, if known and documented.
• Ensure laterality (left) is clearly documented; otherwise, an unspecified laterality code may be necessary.
• Differentiate from primary osteonecrosis (M87.0-) and other specified secondary osteonecrosis of a specific carpal bone (e.g., M87.331 for scaphoid).