ICD-10 Code L97.104 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of unspecified thigh with necrosis of bone (2026): Diagnosis, Symptoms & Billing Guide
2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code L97.104 – Non-pressure chronic ulcer of unspecified thigh with necrosis of bone
What it is
This code identifies a chronic, non-pressure ulcer on the thigh when the wound extends to or exposes bone. Use it when documentation specifies the ulcer site as the unspecified thigh and notes necrosis of bone.
Clinical signs
Typical findings include a persistent open wound on the thigh with tissue loss and bone involvement. Clinical features vary; refer to documentation for depth, drainage, infection, and whether necrotic bone is present.
When to use this code
Use L97.104 when the provider documents a chronic ulcer of the thigh that is not caused by pressure and specifically states necrosis of bone. It fits outpatient, inpatient, and wound-care records when the anatomic site is the thigh and laterality is not specified. Check documentation if the note only says ulcer, wound, or skin breakdown.
Do not use for
Do not use this code for pressure ulcers, acute wounds, or ulcers without bone necrosis. If the site is another lower-extremity location or laterality is documented, code that specific ulcer instead.
Coding tip
Verify both the ulcer type and the anatomic site in the provider note before assigning L97.104.