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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM66.39

M66.39

Billable

Spontaneous rupture of flexor tendons, multiple sites

BILLABLE STATUSYes
IMPLEMENTATION DATEOctober 1, 2015
LAST UPDATED09/17/2025

Code Description

ICD-10 M66.39 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of spontaneous rupture of flexor tendons, multiple sites.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Spontaneous rupture of flexor tendons at multiple sites is a condition characterized by the unexpected tearing of the flexor tendons, which are responsible for bending the fingers and thumb. This condition can occur without any apparent trauma or injury, often associated with underlying conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or chronic tenosynovitis. The ruptures can lead to significant functional impairment, pain, and loss of grip strength. Clinically, patients may present with sudden inability to flex the affected fingers, swelling, and tenderness in the wrist or hand. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough physical examination and may be supported by imaging studies such as ultrasound or MRI to assess tendon integrity. Treatment often requires surgical intervention to repair the ruptured tendons, followed by rehabilitation to restore function. The complexity of this condition lies in its multifactorial nature, requiring careful assessment of the patient's overall health and any comorbidities that may influence treatment outcomes.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Multiple sites of tendon rupture complicate diagnosis and treatment planning.
  • Differentiating between spontaneous rupture and traumatic injury requires detailed clinical evaluation.
  • Associated conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) may necessitate additional coding.
  • Surgical repair procedures may vary based on the extent of the rupture and patient factors.

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the spontaneous nature of the rupture.
  • Failure to document associated conditions that may affect treatment.
  • Misclassification of the rupture as traumatic rather than spontaneous.
  • Lack of detailed surgical notes post-repair.

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative reports, pre-operative assessments, and post-operative follow-ups.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with sudden loss of finger flexion, often following a history of chronic pain or swelling.

Billing Considerations

Ensure that the surgical notes specify the sites of tendon repair and the nature of the rupture.

Rheumatology

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive patient history, including any underlying rheumatic conditions and their management.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis experiencing sudden tendon ruptures.

Billing Considerations

Document the relationship between the underlying condition and the tendon rupture.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M66.39 When
  • Follow official ICD
  • CM guidelines for coding tendon ruptures, ensuring accurate documentation of the spontaneous nature and multiple sites involved
  • Include any relevant comorbidities that may impact treatment

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M66.39 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

26300CPT Code

Repair of flexor tendon

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical repair is performed for spontaneous ruptures.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the repair procedure and sites involved.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons must document the extent of the repair and any complications.

ICD-10 Impact

Diagnostic & Documentation Impact

Enhanced Specificity

ICD-10 Improvements

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spontaneous tendon ruptures, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

ICD-9 vs ICD-10

The transition to ICD-10 has allowed for more specific coding of spontaneous tendon ruptures, improving the accuracy of data collection and reimbursement processes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes.

Resources

Clinical References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Coding & Billing References

  • •
    ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common causes of spontaneous rupture of flexor tendons?

Common causes include chronic inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and degenerative changes in the tendon due to age or repetitive stress.