Name of the Condition

• Congenital Absence of Foot and Toe(s), Bilateral
• Also known as bilateral congenital limb deficiency of the feet.

Summary

• Congenital absence of foot and toe(s), bilateral, is a rare birth defect where both feet and toes are missing at birth. It is a type of limb reduction defect that can affect a child's mobility and require adaptive measures and interventions.

Causes

• The exact cause is often unknown but can include genetic factors, maternal illness or exposure to certain medications or chemicals during pregnancy, or vascular issues during limb development.

Risk Factors

• Family history of limb defects.
• Maternal exposure to environmental toxins, certain medications, or infections during pregnancy.
• Genetic syndromes or chromosomal abnormalities.

Symptoms

• Absence of one or both feet and all toes at birth.
• Possible additional limb or organ anomalies, depending on associated syndromes.

Diagnosis

• Prenatal ultrasound can sometimes detect limb deficiencies.
• Physical examination immediately after birth.
• Advanced imaging, such as X-rays or MRI, to assess bone and tissue structure.

Treatment Options

• Prosthetics: To aid mobility and development in walking and other activities.
• Physical Therapy: To improve strength, flexibility, and adaptation to prosthetic use.

• Surgery: In some cases, reconstructive surgery might be considered.

  These treatments focus on improving function, independence, and quality of life for the individual.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With appropriate management, individuals can lead fulfilling lives.
• Regular follow-up visits with an orthopedic specialist are crucial, especially as the child grows and requires adjustments to treatment or prosthetics.

Complications

• Potential developmental delays in motor skills.
• Psychological challenges due to physical differences and adaptation issues.
• Skin irritation or discomfort from prosthetic use.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• No known preventive measures due to congenital nature.
• Supportive family environment and community resources can help manage adaptation and lifestyle integration.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Guidance from specialists in orthopedics, prosthetics, and physical therapy should be sought immediately after diagnosis.
• Ongoing support from a multidisciplinary team is recommended.

Additional Resources

• March of Dimes (marchofdimes.org)
• National Organization for Rare Disorders (rarediseases.org)
• Prosthetic and rehabilitation centers for support and community resources.

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure coding accurately reflects the bilateral nature of the condition.
• Be aware of associated anomalies or syndromes which may require additional codes.
• Double-check for common coding errors such as omission of laterality or incorrect code for single limb absence.