Tuberculosis of other bones

This code represents a tuberculous infection affecting skeletal sites other than the vertebral column. It indicates osteomyelitis or arthritis caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in bones such as the long bones, flat bones, or small bones of the hands and feet. The infection typically results from hematogenous spread from a primary pulmonary or extrapulmonary focus.

Use this code when documentation specifies tuberculosis affecting a non-vertebral bone, such as tuberculous osteomyelitis of the femur, tibia, or sternum, or tuberculous arthritis of a peripheral joint. Supporting documentation should clearly identify the bone involved and confirm the tuberculous etiology, often through culture, biopsy, or imaging findings.

• Always code the underlying tuberculosis (A15-A19) as the primary diagnosis if it is the reason for the encounter.
• Do not confuse with tuberculous spondylitis (A18.01), which involves the spine.
• Ensure documentation specifies "other bones" to differentiate from specific sites like the spine or hip.