ICD Code M66.362

ICD code M66.362 is used to classify and document a medical diagnosis of a spontaneous rupture of the flexor tendons in the left lower leg. This condition refers to the sudden tearing or breaking of the tendons that are responsible for bending the foot and toes, without any apparent external trauma or injury. Such ruptures can lead to significant pain, swelling, and impaired movement, requiring medical evaluation and potentially surgical intervention to restore function. This code is crucial for healthcare providers to accurately record the diagnosis for treatment planning, billing, and insurance purposes.

When considering the use of the ICD code for a spontaneous rupture of flexor tendons in the left lower leg, healthcare providers should evaluate the following diagnostic criteria and symptoms:

1. Sudden Onset of Pain: The patient experiences an acute, sharp pain in the left lower leg, often described as a tearing or snapping sensation.

2. Loss of Function: There is a noticeable inability to flex the foot or toes, indicating a disruption in tendon function.

3. Swelling and Bruising: The affected area may exhibit swelling and bruising shortly after the rupture, which can spread along the lower leg.

4. Palpable Gap: Upon physical examination, a gap or indentation may be felt along the tendon path, indicating a rupture.

5. Weakness in Flexion: The patient demonstrates significant weakness or complete inability to perform flexion movements of the foot or toes against resistance.

6. History of Preceding Activity: The rupture often occurs during or after a specific activity that involves sudden or excessive force on the tendons, such as jumping or sprinting.

7. Absence of External Trauma: The rupture occurs spontaneously without any direct external trauma to the area, differentiating it from traumatic tendon injuries.

8. Imaging Confirmation: Ultrasound or MRI may be used to confirm the diagnosis by visualizing the rupture and assessing the extent of tendon damage.

By carefully assessing these criteria and symptoms, healthcare providers can accurately determine the necessity of using the specific ICD code for documentation and billing purposes.

For the ICD code M66.362, which pertains to the spontaneous rupture of flexor tendons in the left lower leg, the relevant CPT codes that may be applicable for treatment include:

1. 27650 - Repair, primary, open or percutaneous, of ruptured Achilles tendon.

2. 27652 - Repair, primary, open or percutaneous, with graft (includes obtaining graft), of ruptured Achilles tendon.

3. 27654 - Repair, secondary, Achilles tendon, with or without graft.

4. 27658 - Repair, flexor tendon, leg; primary, without graft, each tendon.

5. 27659 - Repair, flexor tendon, leg; secondary, with or without graft, each tendon.

6. 27664 - Repair, extensor tendon, leg; primary, without graft, each tendon.

7. 27665 - Repair, extensor tendon, leg; secondary, with or without graft, each tendon.

These CPT codes are typically used for surgical procedures related to tendon repair in the lower leg, which may be necessary for addressing the condition indicated by ICD code M66.362. It is important for healthcare providers to select the appropriate CPT code based on the specific procedure performed and the clinical details of the case.

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