Other osteonecrosis of unspecified carpus

This code signifies osteonecrosis, also known as avascular necrosis, affecting an unspecified bone within the carpus (wrist). This condition results from the temporary or permanent loss of blood supply to the carpal bone, leading to bone death and potential collapse. It can cause pain, stiffness, and impaired wrist function.

Use this code when documentation confirms osteonecrosis of a carpal bone, but the specific affected carpal bone is not identified. This may occur in cases where imaging reports or physician notes indicate avascular necrosis of the wrist without further anatomical specificity.

• Ensure the documentation explicitly states "unspecified carpus" or similar language indicating the lack of specificity for the affected carpal bone.
• Avoid using this code if a more specific carpal bone (e.g., lunate, scaphoid) is identified; instead, use the appropriate M87.83x code with the 5th character for the specific bone.
• Consider sequencing this code after any underlying cause of the osteonecrosis (e.g., trauma, steroid use) if known and documented.