ICD-10-CM Billable Code

M87.02

Idiopathic aseptic necrosis of humerus

Clinical Classification Guidelines

Medical Intelligence & Overview

Idiopathic aseptic necrosis of the humerus, also known as osteonecrosis of the humeral head, is a condition characterized by the death of bone tissue in the upper arm bone's head without infection or a clear traumatic cause. This condition can lead to joint pain, reduced mobility, and eventually arthritis if left untreated. It predominantly affects adults and may develop gradually over time, often without obvious symptoms in the early stages.

Causes & Symptoms

Clinical Causes: Long-term use of high-dose corticosteroids Excessive alcohol consumption Decompression sickness, commonly seen in divers Blood disorders, such as sickle cell anemia or hemoglobinopathies Trauma or injury to the shoulder, although this is less common in idiopathic cases Certain medical treatments or conditions that impair blood supply to the humeral head

Key Symptoms: Gradual onset of shoulder pain, especially with movement or bearing weight Limited range of motion in the shoulder joint A feeling of stiffness or weakness in the affected arm Pain that worsens with activity and may persist at rest in later stages Possible swelling or tenderness around the shoulder Crepitus or grinding sensation during shoulder movement in advanced cases

Diagnostic & Treatment

Diagnosis Path: Physical examination to evaluate shoulder mobility, tenderness, and strength X-rays to visualize changes in the bone, such as subchondral fractures or collapse Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for early detection of bone death before significant structural damage occurs Bone scans or other nuclear imaging techniques to assess blood flow and bone vitality

Treatment Protocols: Conservative therapies such as rest, activity modification, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to alleviate pain Physical therapy to maintain joint mobility and strengthen surrounding muscles Core decompression surgery to reduce intraosseous pressure and promote blood flow Osteotomy, a surgical procedure to realign or redistribute weight in the shoulder Joint-preserving surgeries or bone grafting in early stages of the disease Joint replacement (humeral head arthroplasty) in advanced cases where the joint is severely damaged

Reimbursement claims with a date of service on or after October 1, 2015 require the use of ICD-10-CM codes.

Clinical Advice & FAQs

Billing Guidance

Is M87.02 a billable ICD-10 code?
Yes, M87.02 is a specific, billable code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes.

Documentation

How do I report M87.02?
Clinical documentation must specify the nature of Idiopathic aseptic necrosis of humerus and any associated comorbidities for accurate reporting.

Cite this Clinical Reference