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ICD-10 Guide
ICD-10 CodesM66.31

M66.31

Billable

Spontaneous rupture of flexor tendons, shoulder

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

Code Description

ICD-10 M66.31 is a billable code used to indicate a diagnosis of spontaneous rupture of flexor tendons, shoulder.

Key Diagnostic Point:

Spontaneous rupture of flexor tendons in the shoulder is a condition characterized by the unexpected tearing of the flexor tendons that connect muscles to bones in the shoulder region. This condition can occur without any apparent trauma or injury, often associated with underlying degenerative changes or inflammatory processes such as tenosynovitis. Patients may present with acute pain, swelling, and loss of function in the shoulder, often accompanied by a palpable defect in the tendon. Diagnosis typically involves a thorough clinical examination and imaging studies, such as MRI, to confirm the rupture and assess the extent of damage. Treatment options may include conservative management with rest and physical therapy or surgical intervention to repair the ruptured tendon, depending on the severity of the injury and the patient's functional needs. Surgical repair aims to restore tendon continuity and function, which is crucial for shoulder mobility and strength.

Code Complexity Analysis

Complexity Rating: Medium

Medium Complexity

Complexity Factors

  • Differentiating between spontaneous and traumatic ruptures
  • Identifying associated conditions like tenosynovitis
  • Understanding the anatomical specifics of the shoulder flexor tendons
  • Documenting the severity and implications of the rupture

Audit Risk Factors

  • Inadequate documentation of the spontaneous nature of the rupture
  • Failure to document associated conditions like tenosynovitis
  • Lack of clarity on the treatment plan (surgical vs. conservative)
  • Misclassification of the rupture type (spontaneous vs. traumatic)

Specialty Focus

Medical Specialties

Orthopedic Surgery

Documentation Requirements

Detailed operative notes, imaging studies, and pre-operative assessments are essential.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients presenting with acute shoulder pain and functional impairment, often after minimal or no trauma.

Billing Considerations

Ensure clear documentation of the surgical approach and any complications encountered during the procedure.

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Documentation Requirements

Comprehensive evaluations of functional limitations and rehabilitation progress notes.

Common Clinical Scenarios

Patients undergoing rehabilitation post-surgery or those with chronic pain due to tendon rupture.

Billing Considerations

Documenting the patient's response to therapy and any modifications to the rehabilitation plan.

Coding Guidelines

Inclusion Criteria

Use M66.31 When
  • According to ICD
  • 10 coding guidelines, M66
  • 31 should be used when the documentation specifies a spontaneous rupture of flexor tendons in the shoulder
  • It is crucial to ensure that the clinical documentation supports the diagnosis and that any associated conditions are also coded appropriately

Exclusion Criteria

Do NOT use M66.31 When
No specific exclusions found.

Related ICD-10 Codes

Related CPT Codes

23470CPT Code

Repair of ruptured tendon, shoulder

Clinical Scenario

Used when surgical repair is performed for spontaneous tendon rupture.

Documentation Requirements

Operative report detailing the procedure and findings.

Specialty Considerations

Orthopedic surgeons should ensure that the surgical approach and any complications are well documented.

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. M66.31 provides a clear distinction from other types of tendon injuries, facilitating better patient management and outcomes.

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. M66.31 provides a clear distinction from other types of tendon injuries, facilitating better patient management and outcomes.

Reimbursement & Billing Impact

reimbursement processes. M66.31 provides a clear distinction from other types of tendon injuries, facilitating better patient management and outcomes.

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 is the primary cause of spontaneous rupture of flexor tendons?

Spontaneous ruptures are often associated with degenerative changes in the tendon, inflammatory conditions like tenosynovitis, or chronic overuse, rather than acute trauma.