Name of the Condition

• Acquired absence of left foot

Summary

• Acquired absence of the left foot refers to the loss of the left foot due to reasons other than congenital absence. This may result from surgical removal (amputation), trauma, or severe injury leading to the necessity of removal.

Causes

• The primary causes include traumatic injury (such as accidents), severe infections, complications from diseases like diabetes leading to non-healing ulcers, or surgical removal due to malignancies affecting the foot or lower leg.

Risk Factors

• Risk factors include engaging in high-risk activities or occupations leading to trauma, poorly managed diabetes, peripheral vascular diseases, and infections that do not respond to treatment.

Symptoms

• The main indication is the physical absence of the left foot. Patients may also experience phantom limb sensations, pain, or difficulty in adjusting to the loss functionally and emotionally.

Diagnosis

• Diagnosis is straightforward through physical examination and patient history, focusing on identifying the cause that led to the loss of the foot such as medical history or imaging prior to amputation.

Treatment Options

• Treatment focuses on rehabilitation with the use of prosthetics to help restore function, physical therapy to aid in mobility and strength, and psychological counseling to assist with emotional adjustment.

Prognosis and Follow-Up

• With adequate rehabilitation and support, many individuals can lead active lives using prosthetics. Regular follow-ups are crucial for monitoring prosthetic fitting, physical health, and mental well-being.

Complications

• Possible complications include phantom limb pain, issues related to prosthetic use, and psychological impact such as depression or anxiety.

Lifestyle & Prevention

• While prevention of the initial causes (such as trauma or poorly controlled diabetes) is essential, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, safe practices, and regular medical check-ups can help manage underlying conditions.

When to Seek Professional Help

• Seek medical advice if experiencing signs of infection, issues with a prosthetic limb, significant pain, or emotional difficulties adjusting to the absence.

Additional Resources

• Amputee Coalition (www.amputee-coalition.org)
• National Institute on Disability, Independent Living, and Rehabilitation Research (www.nidilrr.acl.gov)

Tips for Medical Coders

• Ensure precise coding by confirming the side (left foot) and distinguishing between congenital and acquired absence.
• Be careful not to confuse with conditions describing disease processes or complications that led to the absence.