Name of the Condition

• Acquired absence of right thumb
• Medical term: Z89.011

Summary

Acquired absence of the right thumb refers to the loss of the thumb on the right hand due to external factors such as injury, disease, or surgical removal. This condition can significantly impact hand function and dexterity.

Causes

• Traumatic injury (e.g., accidents, crush injuries)
• Surgical amputation due to medical conditions (e.g., cancer, severe infection)
• Severe burns or frostbite

Risk Factors

• Occupations or activities with high risk of hand injury
• Pre-existing medical conditions that may necessitate amputation (e.g., aggressive infections, tumors)

Symptoms

• Visible absence of the right thumb
• Reduced grip strength and hand function
• Possible pain or sensitivity at the site of loss

Diagnosis

• Physical examination to observe the absence of the thumb
• Patient medical history to determine the cause of absence
• Imaging tests if needed, to assess underlying structures or adjacent damages

Treatment Options

• Prosthetic devices to restore thumb function
• Occupational therapy to improve hand dexterity and adaptation strategies
• Surgical reconstruction in some cases to improve hand functionality

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• Prognosis depends on the cause and severity of the absence
• Regular follow-ups with occupational therapists and healthcare providers to optimize hand function and adaptation
• Improvements in hand dexterity through therapy and use of assistive devices

Complications

• Decreased hand functionality affecting daily activities
• Potential emotional and psychological impact
• Risk of repetitive strain on remaining fingers and joints

Lifestyle & Prevention

• Use protective gear when engaging in high-risk activities
• Workplace safety measures to prevent injuries
• Regular hand exercises and therapy for maintaining function

When to Seek Professional Help

• Difficulty in performing daily tasks
• Persistent pain or discomfort at the site of absence
• Concerns about prosthetic fitting or hand function

Additional Resources

• American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH)
• Amputee Coalition
• Local occupational therapy services

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure accurate documentation of "right thumb" and "acquired absence"
• Avoid coding errors by verifying correct laterality (right vs. left)
• Reference ICD-10-CM guidelines for post-surgical and traumatic amputations