Bone graft infection

This code signifies an infection specifically affecting a bone graft, which is bone tissue transplanted during a surgical procedure to repair or rebuild a damaged bone. The infection can occur at the site of the graft and may involve the graft material itself or the surrounding host bone.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates an infection has developed in a previously placed bone graft. This includes infections identified post-operatively, or those presenting later as a complication of the bone grafting procedure. It is appropriate for both autografts (from the patient's own body) and allografts (from a donor).

• Always sequence this code after the primary reason for the encounter, such as the underlying condition requiring treatment for the infection.
• Specify the type of infection (e.g., bacterial, fungal) with an additional code if known and documented.
• Look for documentation of symptoms like pain, swelling, erythema, purulent drainage, or fever in the context of a bone graft.