2026 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code S03Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of head
S03 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of head, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as S03.00XA, S03.00XD, S03.00XS, and S03.01XA.
Code Identity
Code Classification
Specific Coding for Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of headOverview
Non-specific codes like S03 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:
S03.0 for Dislocation of jaw
S03.00 for Dislocation of jaw, unspecified side
S03.01 for Dislocation of jaw, right side
S03.02 for Dislocation of jaw, left side
S03.03 for Dislocation of jaw, bilateral
S03.1 for Dislocation of septal cartilage of nose
S03.2 for Dislocation of tooth
S03.4 for Sprain of jaw
S03.40 for Sprain of jaw, unspecified side
S03.41 for Sprain of jaw, right side
S03.42 for Sprain of jaw, left side
S03.43 for Sprain of jaw, bilateral
S03.8 for Sprain of joints and ligaments of other parts of head
S03.9 for Sprain of joints and ligaments of unspecified parts of head
Coding GuidelinesGuidance
The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of head (S03). Use the following options for the applicable episode of care:
- A - initial encounter
- D - subsequent encounter
- S - sequela
Source: ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2026, published by CMS and the National Center for Health Statistics.
Tabular List NotesGuidance
Coding notes and annotation back-references applicable to this code.
Includes
- avulsion of joint (capsule) or ligament of head
- laceration of cartilage, joint (capsule) or ligament of head
- sprain of cartilage, joint (capsule) or ligament of head
- traumatic hemarthrosis of joint or ligament of head
- traumatic rupture of joint or ligament of head
- traumatic subluxation of joint or ligament of head
- traumatic tear of joint or ligament of head
Code Also
- any associated open wound
Type 2 Excludes
- Strain of muscle or tendon of head S09.1
7th Character Note
- The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category S03
7th Character
- A - initial encounter
- D - subsequent encounter
- S - sequela
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
A "code also" note instructs that two codes may be required to fully describe a condition, but this note does not provide sequencing direction.
A type 2 excludes note represents "Not included here". An excludes2 note indicates that the condition excluded is not part of the condition represented by the code, but a patient may have both conditions at the same time. When an Excludes2 note appears under a code, it is acceptable to use both the code and the excluded code together, when appropriate.
Certain ICD-10-CM categories have applicable 7th characters. The applicable 7th character is required for all codes within the category, or as the notes in the Tabular List instruct. The 7th character must always be the 7th character in the data field. If a code that requires a 7th character is not 6 characters, a placeholder X must be used to fill in the empty characters.
Indicates that a seventh character is to be assigned to codes in a subcategory.
Patient EducationClinical
Dislocations
Dislocations are joint injuries that force the ends of your bones out of position. The cause is often a fall or a blow, sometimes from playing a contact sport. You can dislocate your ankles, knees, shoulders, hips, elbows and jaw. You can also dislocate your finger and toe joints.
Read the full article at MedlinePlus
Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Code HistoryHistory
Questions About S03Overview
Is S03 (Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of head) a billable code?
No. This is a category header that groups the codes for dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of head, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of head need a more specific code from this category, such as S03.00XA, S03.00XD, and S03.00XS.
