Spontaneous rupture of other tendons, unspecified shoulder

This code signifies a non-traumatic tear of a tendon in the shoulder, excluding the rotator cuff, where the specific tendon involved is not documented. It indicates a sudden, unexpected separation of tendon fibers without an external force or injury.

Apply this code when documentation specifies a spontaneous rupture of a shoulder tendon, but the physician does not identify which specific tendon (e.g., biceps, triceps, pectoralis major). This code is appropriate when the rupture is clearly not due to an acute injury or overuse, but rather an intrinsic tendon failure.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "spontaneous rupture" and "shoulder tendon" without further specificity.
• Distinguish from traumatic ruptures (S46.XXX codes) and specified spontaneous ruptures (M66.811-M66.818).
• Avoid using if the specific tendon is known; instead, use the more precise M66.81x code for that tendon.