Z89: Acquired absence of limb

Z89.2: Acquired absence of upper limb above wrist

Acquired absence of upper limb above wrist, as indicated by ICD-10 code Z89.2, refers to the complete loss of a hand and part of the arm. This condition is not born with but rather is a result of an incident or condition that happens later in life. Many circumstances can lead to this loss, with trauma, infection, or serious medical conditions typically being the contributors. It may also be the outcome of a necessary medical procedure or surgery to prevent the spread of disease or to treat severe damage. Symptoms are largely physical, and are not typically accompanied by disease manifestations, as the limb loss is usually the result of a separate underlying condition. The physical representation will be a visible absence of the hand and portion of the arm above the wrist. Psychological and emotional impacts, however, should not be underestimated as it may deeply affect the individual's lifestyle and mental wellbeing.