Anal sphincter tear (healed) (nontraumatic) (old)

This code describes a non-traumatic, healed, or old tear of the anal sphincter muscle. It indicates a historical injury to the sphincter that is no longer acute and was not caused by external trauma. This condition can lead to symptoms such as fecal incontinence or difficulty with bowel control.

Use this code when documentation specifies a healed, old, or nontraumatic anal sphincter tear. This is appropriate for patients presenting with chronic symptoms related to a past, non-acute sphincter injury, such as fecal incontinence, where the tear itself is no longer an active wound. Documentation should clearly differentiate this from acute or traumatic tears.

• Distinguish carefully between "healed/old/nontraumatic" tears and acute or traumatic tears, which are coded differently.
• Do not use this code if the tear is a complication of delivery; refer to the O34.7- series.
• Ensure the documentation explicitly states the tear is healed, old, or nontraumatic to support this specific code.