S86.02 Laceration of Achilles tendon

ICD-10-CM S86.02: Laceration of Achilles tendon

ICD-10-CM code S86.02 represents a laceration of the Achilles tendon, classified as an injury or poisoning concept. The Achilles tendon connects calf muscles to the heel bone and is used during walking, running, and jumping. This code is an active terminology record with no narrower concepts. 1 3

Plain-language overview

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, and individuals use this tendon during activities like walking, running, and jumping, while stretching it too far can cause a tear or rupture. 3

Diagnostic imaging such as an MRI scan or ultrasound may be needed to visualize the location of an Achilles tendon tear, and a complete tear means the two sides are not attached to each other. 3

What this code represents

ICD-10-CM code S86.02 is an active diagnosis concept representing a laceration of the Achilles tendon, and the terminology record explicitly lists no narrower concepts under this specific code. 1

The semantic type assigned to the S86.02 terminology record is Injury or Poisoning, and its parent concept within the hierarchy is S86.0, defined as an injury of the Achilles tendon. 1

Documentation considerations

Clinical assessment of acute Achilles tendon ruptures involves objective rating scales and the patient-reported Achilles Tendon Total Rupture Score, which are tools used to evaluate this injury. 2

Medical information defines a partial tear as a condition where at least some of the tendon is still intact, whereas a full tear means the tendon is torn completely and the two sides are not attached. 3

What the sources add

While the terminology record establishes the S86.02 code hierarchy, clinical literature describes acute Achilles tendon rupture treatments as broadly classified into operative and nonoperative approaches. 1 2

Clinical literature notes that controversy exists regarding the best treatment strategy for acute Achilles tendon ruptures, whereas patient information states a complete tear may require surgery. 2 3

Clinical context

Functional rehabilitation for Achilles tendon ruptures involves exercises to make calf muscles stronger and the tendon more flexible, and patients are at greater risk for injuring the tendon again after healing. 3

Sources

1. ICD-10-CM S86.02 terminology record — National Cancer Institute Enterprise Vocabulary Services; accessed 2026-07-27.
2. Management of acute Achilles tendon ruptures — pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; accessed 2026-07-27.
3. Achilles tendon rupture - aftercare: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia — medlineplus.gov; accessed 2026-07-27.