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S10.AI
ICD-10-CM · S76.319AGeneralSystemic

Hamstring Tear

Find comprehensive information on hamstring tear diagnosis, including clinical documentation, medical coding (ICD-10, S-codes), and healthcare resources. Learn about hamstring strain grades, symptoms, physical exam findings, and differential diagnoses. This resource provides guidance for accurate medical coding and documentation of hamstring injuries for physicians, clinicians, and medical coders. Explore details on hamstring tear treatment, prognosis, and return to activity guidelines.

Also known as
Hamstring StrainPosterior Thigh Muscle Tear
Definition

A tear or strain in any of the three hamstring muscles at the back of the thigh.

Clinical signs

Pain in the back of the thigh, bruising, swelling, stiffness, weakness, and difficulty walking.

Common settings

Sports injuries, sudden movements, overuse, and muscle imbalances.

Related Codes

ICD-10 Code Families

Complete code families applicable to S76.319A

S76.1-
Injury of hamstring muscle
S76.-
Injury of muscle, fascia and tendon at lower leg level
S73.-
Injury of muscle, fascia and tendon at thigh level
Code Comparison

When to use each related code

DescriptionWhen to use
Hamstring tearPosterior thigh pain, popping sensation during injury, difficulty flexing knee. Code when hamstring muscle fibers are torn.
Hamstring strainTightness, mild pain in posterior thigh, no pop or tear. Use when hamstring fibers are stretched or pulled, not torn.
SciaticaRadiating pain down leg, numbness, tingling. Use when pain originates from sciatic nerve compression, not hamstring injury.
Documentation

Best-practice checklist

  • Hamstring tear diagnosis: laterality, grade, location
  • Mechanism of injury: sudden stretch, contraction
  • Physical exam: palpable defect, pain, ROM
  • Imaging: MRI confirmation if necessary
  • ICD-10 code: S76.1, S76.11, S76.12 (specify)
Coding & Audit Risks

Common pitfalls to avoid

Laterality Coding Errors

Missing or incorrect laterality (right, left, bilateral) for hamstring tear diagnoses can lead to claim rejections and inaccurate data.

Specificity of Diagnosis

Coding a hamstring tear without specifying complete/partial or grade (1, 2, 3) impacts reimbursement and quality reporting.

Documentation Clarity Issues

Vague documentation lacking clear diagnostic confirmation of a hamstring tear via physical exam or imaging can cause coding errors.

Mitigation

Best-practice tips

  • 01Accurate ICD-10 coding (S76.1-, S26.1-) for hamstring tear
  • 02Detailed HPI, physical exam, imaging in documentation
  • 03Differential diagnosis documentation for compliance
  • 04Measure tear size for specific coding, improved CDI
  • 05Timely follow-up documentation supports medical necessity
Clinical Decision Support

Step-by-step checklist

  1. 1

    1. Sudden posterior thigh pain during exertion? ICD-10: S76.1, S26.1 Document mechanism.

  2. 2

    2. Palpable tenderness/defect in hamstring? Document location, size. HPI consistent?

  3. 3

    3. Pain with resisted knee flexion? Neurovascular exam normal? Document.

  4. 4

    4. Consider imaging (MRI) if severe. Document justification for imaging choice.

Documentation Template

Ready-to-paste narrative

Patient presents with complaints consistent with hamstring tear, possibly sustained during [activity causing injury].  Onset of symptoms occurred [timeframe] ago.  Patient reports [sharp, pulling, tearing] pain in the posterior thigh, localized to [proximal, mid, distal] hamstring musculature.  Pain is exacerbated by [activities that worsen pain, e.g., knee flexion, hip extension, stretching, weight-bearing].  Patient may also report symptoms such as [popping sensation, bruising, swelling, tenderness to palpation, muscle spasm, weakness, difficulty walking].  Physical examination reveals [positive findings, e.g., palpable defect, ecchymosis, limited range of motion, pain with resisted knee flexion or hip extension, positive Straight Leg Raise test, tenderness to palpation].  Differential diagnosis includes hamstring strain, muscle contusion, sciatica, avulsion fracture.  Severity of hamstring tear is suspected to be [grade 1, grade 2, grade 3] based on clinical presentation.  Imaging studies, such as ultrasound or MRI, may be ordered to confirm diagnosis and assess the extent of the tear.  Initial treatment plan includes RICE protocol (rest, ice, compression, elevation), pain management with NSAIDs or other analgesics as indicated, and physical therapy referral.  Patient education provided on activity modification, stretching, and strengthening exercises.  Follow-up scheduled in [timeframe] to reassess symptoms and adjust treatment plan as needed.  Prognosis for recovery depends on the severity of the tear and adherence to treatment recommendations.  ICD-10 code: [appropriate ICD-10 code, e.g., S76.1xxA, S76.1xxD, S76.1xxS].

Clinical accuracy: This information is provided for documentation and coding guidance and should not replace professional medical judgment.

Coding standard: ICD-10-CM, current FY guidelines.