M46.26
BillableOsteomyelitis of vertebra, lumbar region
HCC Category Mapping
V28HCC 92 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis
0.209V24HCC 39 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis
0.482ESRDHCC 39 — Bone/Joint/Muscle Infections/Necrosis
0.000What This Code Means
A bone infection affecting the vertebrae in the lower back or lumbar region of the spine.
Coding Tips
- •Verify the infection is limited to lumbar vertebrae; if it extends to the sacrum, use M46.28 instead
- •Document the causative organism when available, as this may impact treatment decisions and prognosis
Clinical Significance
Lumbar vertebral osteomyelitis is a serious infection that can cause significant functional disability and neurological complications including cauda equina syndrome. The lumbar location affects weight-bearing capacity and requires aggressive treatment to prevent permanent disability.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Documentation of bone infection specifically in lumbar vertebrae
- ✓Clinical presentation including lower back pain and systemic infection signs
- ✓Imaging confirmation of lumbar vertebral osteomyelitis
- ✓Neurological examination for cauda equina or nerve root involvement
- ✓Laboratory evidence of infection including cultures when possible
- ✓Assessment of weight-bearing capacity and functional status
- ✓Documentation of antimicrobial therapy and treatment response
- ✓Monitoring for complications including abscess or neurological deterioration
Commonly Confused Codes
M4625 — Thoracolumbar osteomyelitis involves junction with thoracic spineM4627 — Lumbosacral osteomyelitis involves junction with sacral spineM46.36 — Lumbar disc infection affects disc space, not vertebral bodyM48.06 — Lumbar spinal stenosis is degenerative conditionM54.5 — Low back pain is symptom, not bone infection diagnosis
Code Hierarchy
└M46Other inflammatory spondylopathies└M46.2Osteomyelitis of vertebra└M46.26Osteomyelitis of vertebra, lumbar region
└M46.26Osteomyelitis of vertebra, lumbar region