Disfigurements of limbs

This code signifies a significant, permanent alteration in the normal appearance or structure of a limb, resulting from various causes such as trauma, disease, or congenital conditions. These disfigurements can impact the upper or lower extremities and may or may not be associated with functional impairment.

Assign this code when documenting a patient's diagnosis of a visible and lasting deformity of an arm or leg. This is appropriate for conditions like severe scarring, amputation stumps, significant bone deformities, or other non-functional cosmetic alterations of a limb. It should be used when the primary concern or diagnosis is the disfigurement itself.

• Do not use this code if the disfigurement is a temporary condition or a minor cosmetic issue.
• Always code the underlying cause of the disfigurement (e.g., fracture, burn, congenital anomaly) in addition to this code, if known.
• Consider using more specific codes for functional impairments or specific types of deformities when available and clinically appropriate.