Osteonecrosis in diseases classified elsewhere, left hand

This code signifies the death of bone tissue in the left hand due to a loss of blood supply, occurring as a manifestation or complication of another underlying disease. It indicates avascular necrosis of the carpal bones, metacarpals, or phalanges of the left hand, where the primary etiology is a systemic condition rather than a direct trauma or idiopathic cause.

Apply this code when documentation specifies osteonecrosis of the left hand and explicitly links it to an underlying systemic disease, such as lupus, sickle cell anemia, or long-term corticosteroid use. The medical record should clearly state the affected hand (left) and the associated primary condition.

• Always code the underlying systemic disease first, followed by this code to indicate the manifestation.
• Ensure documentation specifies "left hand" to avoid laterality errors; if unspecified, query the provider.
• Distinguish from M87.142 (Osteonecrosis due to drugs, left hand) or M87.242 (Osteonecrosis due to previous trauma, left hand) if the cause is drug-induced or traumatic.