Osteonecrosis in diseases classified elsewhere, left thigh

This code signifies the death of bone tissue in the left thigh due to a loss of blood supply, occurring as a manifestation or complication of another underlying medical condition. This avascular necrosis leads to bone collapse and joint destruction.

Apply this code when documentation clearly indicates osteonecrosis of the left femur or other bone within the left thigh, and the provider explicitly links it to a primary disease (e.g., lupus, sickle cell anemia, chronic corticosteroid use). The underlying disease must be coded first.

• Always sequence the underlying disease code first, as this code indicates a manifestation.
• Ensure the documentation specifies "left thigh" or "left femur" to support laterality.
• Distinguish from osteonecrosis not classified elsewhere (M87.-) when no underlying disease is identified.