Acquired absence of left wrist

This code indicates the complete or partial absence of the left wrist due to a condition or event occurring after birth. This is distinct from congenital absence, meaning the patient was born with the wrist present but subsequently lost it.

Use this code for patients who have undergone an amputation of the left wrist, or who have experienced a traumatic injury resulting in the complete loss of the left wrist. It is also applicable for conditions leading to the surgical removal of the left wrist.

• Always verify laterality; this code is specific to the left wrist.
• Distinguish carefully between acquired (Z89) and congenital (Q71) absence.
• Code any associated external cause of injury (e.g., V00-Y99) or underlying disease process (e.g., diabetes with gangrene) in addition to this code.