Congenital shortening of unspecified upper limb

This code signifies a birth defect characterized by an abnormally short upper limb, where the specific nature of the shortening (e.g., absence of a bone, hypoplasia) is not documented, and the affected side is unspecified. It indicates a congenital anomaly impacting the overall length of the arm, forearm, or hand.

Apply this code when medical record documentation clearly states congenital shortening of an upper limb without further specification of the exact bone or segment affected, and without specifying laterality. This is appropriate when the provider has not identified whether it's the right or left limb.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "unspecified" or lacks laterality for the upper limb.
• Avoid using this code if the specific bone (e.g., humerus, radius, ulna) or segment (e.g., upper arm, forearm) of shortening is identified; instead, use a more specific Q71.8- subcategory.
• Do not use for acquired conditions; this code is strictly for congenital anomalies.