M46.27
BillableOsteomyelitis of vertebra, lumbosacral 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 of the vertebrae at the junction between the lower back and the sacrum (base of spine).
Coding Tips
- •Ensure documentation clearly indicates involvement of both lumbar and sacral regions to justify this code
- •Consider the clinical presentation and imaging findings to differentiate from isolated lumbar or sacral osteomyelitis
Clinical Significance
Lumbosacral osteomyelitis affects the critical junction between the mobile lumbar spine and fixed sacrum, creating high biomechanical stress and infection risk. This location is particularly prone to complications and may require surgical intervention for stabilization.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Documentation of bone infection at lumbosacral junction
- ✓Specific identification of involvement spanning L5-S1 region
- ✓Imaging studies showing infection across lumbar-sacral transition
- ✓Clinical assessment including pain and neurological symptoms
- ✓Laboratory confirmation of infectious process
- ✓Evaluation of biomechanical stability at lumbosacral junction
- ✓Documentation of treatment approach and antimicrobial selection
- ✓Assessment for complications including instability or neurological deficit
Commonly Confused Codes
M4626 — Lumbar osteomyelitis affects only lumbar vertebraeM46.1 — Sacroiliitis affects sacroiliac joint, not vertebral boneM46.37 — Lumbosacral disc infection affects disc space, not boneM48.07 — Lumbosacral spinal stenosis is degenerative, not infectiousM53.3 — Sacrococcygeal disorders are general, not specific bone infection
Code Hierarchy
└M46Other inflammatory spondylopathies└M46.2Osteomyelitis of vertebra└M46.27Osteomyelitis of vertebra, lumbosacral region
└M46.27Osteomyelitis of vertebra, lumbosacral region