• If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ & read the forum rules. To view all forums, post or create a new thread, you must be an AAPC Member. If you are a member and have already registered for member area and forum access, you can log in by clicking here. If you've forgotten the password it can be reset on our sign in section by entering your registered Email Address or Username here. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below..

Wiki Lower extremity=foot, leg, or both?

Create Wiki
krburke

krburke

Expert
Messages
263
Location
Tucson, AZ
Best answers
0
Physician wrote "LLE cellulitis" and all through his consult dictation, he just refers to the "left lower extremity" without specifically stating leg or foot. Is there a common assumption that the term "lower extremity" includes both parts? Or is it just the leg, or just the foot? Seems like I bump up against this a lot and can usually get some additional details in the consult dictation, but not this time! Thanks.
 
The lower extremities "starts" from the hip joints downward. It includes the hip joint, femur, knee joint, tibia-fibula, ankle joint, foot, metacarpal joints. Sometimes doctors refer to the upper leg or lower leg. Upper leg starts right above the knee joint and the lower leg stars from the knee joint downward. To directly answer your question; lower extremity=foot and leg.

Hope this helps.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top