Lesion of lateral popliteal nerve, left lower limb
ICD-10 G57.32 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of lesion of lateral popliteal nerve, left lower limb.
The lateral popliteal nerve, a branch of the sciatic nerve, is responsible for innervating the muscles that control dorsiflexion and eversion of the foot. A lesion of this nerve can result from various causes, including trauma, compression, or entrapment, leading to symptoms such as foot drop, weakness in ankle dorsiflexion, and sensory loss over the lateral aspect of the leg and dorsum of the foot. Patients may present with difficulty walking, tripping, or experiencing numbness and tingling in the affected areas. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination, nerve conduction studies, and possibly imaging to identify the underlying cause of the nerve lesion. Treatment may include physical therapy, orthotic devices, and in some cases, surgical intervention to relieve compression or repair the nerve. Accurate coding is essential for proper reimbursement and to reflect the severity and impact of the condition on the patient's functional status.
Detailed neurological examination findings, including motor and sensory assessments.
Patients presenting with foot drop, numbness, or weakness in the lower limb.
Ensure that all relevant diagnostic tests, such as nerve conduction studies, are documented.
Surgical notes if intervention is performed, including pre-operative and post-operative assessments.
Patients with traumatic injuries leading to nerve lesions or those requiring surgical decompression.
Document the mechanism of injury and any associated injuries to the knee or leg.
Used to evaluate the function of the lateral popliteal nerve in patients with suspected lesions.
Document the specific nerves tested and the findings.
Neurologists should ensure that the rationale for testing is clearly stated.
Common causes include trauma, compression from prolonged sitting or crossing legs, and surgical complications. Conditions like tumors or swelling in the area can also lead to nerve lesions.
