M66.352 Spontaneous rupture of flexor tendons, left thigh

ICD10CM code

#### Name of the Condition
- Spontaneous Rupture of Flexor Tendons, Left Thigh (ICD-10 Code: M66.352)

#### Summary
Spontaneous rupture of flexor tendons in the left thigh is a rare condition where the tendons responsible for bending the leg at the knee unexpectedly tear without an obvious precipitating injury. These tendons connect the muscles to the bones and allow for knee flexion.

#### Causes
- This condition may occur due to degenerative changes in the tendons, overuse, or could be idiopathic (having no identifiable cause). In rare cases, it may be associated with connective tissue disorders.

#### Risk Factors
- Age: Individuals over 40 are at higher risk.
- Pre-existing tendon damage or inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Use of certain medications like corticosteroids or fluoroquinolone antibiotics.
- Previous injuries or surgeries in the affected area.

#### Symptoms
- Sudden and severe pain in the thigh.
- Loss of function or difficulty bending the knee.
- A popping or snapping sensation at the time of rupture.
- Swelling or bruising in the thigh area.

#### Diagnosis
- Physical examination focusing on tendon functionality.
- Ultrasound or MRI to visualize the tear in the tendon.
- In some cases, an X-ray to rule out bone involvement.

#### Treatment Options
- Rest and immobilization of the leg.
- Physical therapy to strengthen the supportive muscles once the initial healing begins.
- Surgical repair may be necessary for severe or complete tears.
- Pain management using medications such as NSAIDs.

#### Prognosis and Follow-Up
- The prognosis can be good with timely treatment, although recovery may take weeks to months.
- Regular follow-up is necessary to monitor healing and reduce the risk of re-injury or other complications.

#### Complications
- Prolonged immobility may lead to muscle atrophy.
- There is potential for tendon re-rupture if not properly healed.
- Permanent decrease in leg function if untreated.

#### Lifestyle & Prevention
- Regular stretching and strengthening exercises for the thigh muscles.
- Avoidance of activities that may strain the tendons excessively.
- Managing body weight to reduce stress on the leg joints.

#### When to Seek Professional Help
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a sudden loss of leg function, intense pain, or inability to bend the knee.

#### Additional Resources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS): [aaos.org](https://www.aaos.org)
- National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS): [niams.nih.gov](https://www.niams.nih.gov)

#### Tips for Medical Coders
- Ensure proper differentiation between spontaneous and traumatic tendon injuries to avoid miscoding.
- Double-check laterality to confirm the affected side (left thigh for this code).
- Consider any concurrent complicating conditions that may need additional codes.

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