Osteonecrosis, unspecified

This code represents the death of bone tissue due to a loss of blood supply, without further specification of the affected site or underlying cause. It describes a condition that can lead to bone collapse and joint destruction if left untreated.

Use this code when documentation clearly indicates osteonecrosis but lacks specificity regarding the anatomical site (e.g., hip, knee, jaw) or the etiology (e.g., traumatic, steroid-induced, idiopathic). This code is appropriate when the provider's diagnosis is simply "osteonecrosis" without additional detail.

• Avoid using this code if the anatomical site of osteonecrosis is documented; instead, use a more specific code from the M87 category.
• Query the provider for greater specificity regarding the site and cause of osteonecrosis whenever possible to allow for more precise coding.
• Do not confuse with osteoporosis (M81.-) or osteomyelitis (M86.-), which are distinct bone conditions.