Staphylococcal arthritis, unspecified wrist

This code signifies an inflammatory condition of an unspecified wrist joint caused by a staphylococcal bacterial infection. It indicates the presence of infectious arthritis specifically attributed to Staphylococcus species, affecting the synovial lining and cartilage of the wrist.

Use this code when documentation explicitly states "staphylococcal arthritis" affecting the wrist, without specifying laterality (left or right). This code is appropriate when the causative organism is identified as Staphylococcus, and the infection is localized to the wrist joint.

• Ensure the documentation specifies "staphylococcal" as the causative agent; otherwise, a different infectious arthritis code may be more appropriate.
• If laterality (left or right wrist) is documented, use the more specific codes M00.031 or M00.032.
• Always sequence this code after the underlying infection if it's still active and being treated.