M46.28
BillableOsteomyelitis of vertebra, sacral and sacrococcygeal 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 sacral vertebrae and the area where the sacrum connects to the coccyx (tailbone).
Coding Tips
- •Confirm the infection involves the sacral and/or sacrococcygeal region; this is a less common site for vertebral osteomyelitis
- •Document any associated complications such as abscess formation or neurological involvement
Clinical Significance
Osteomyelitis of the sacral and sacrococcygeal vertebrae represents a serious bone infection requiring prolonged antibiotic therapy and close monitoring. This condition significantly impacts patient mobility and quality of life, often requiring months of treatment and potential surgical intervention.
Documentation Requirements
- ✓Specific anatomical location (sacral and sacrococcygeal region)
- ✓Evidence of bone infection (imaging studies, lab values)
- ✓Causative organism if identified
- ✓Acute vs chronic phase documentation
- ✓Response to antibiotic therapy
- ✓Any associated complications or sequelae
- ✓Duration of infection if known
- ✓Treatment plan and monitoring requirements
Commonly Confused Codes
M46.20 — Osteomyelitis of vertebra, site unspecified when location is not documentedM86.9 — Osteomyelitis of other bones when infection affects non-spinal bonesM49.80 — Spondylopathy in diseases classified elsewhere when secondary to another conditionS32.19XA — Fracture of sacrum when traumatic injury rather than infection
Code Hierarchy
└M46Other inflammatory spondylopathies└M46.2Osteomyelitis of vertebra└M46.28Osteomyelitis of vertebra, sacral and sacrococcygeal region
└M46.28Osteomyelitis of vertebra, sacral and sacrococcygeal region