S53.442 - Ulnar collateral ligament sprain of left elbow

Version 2023
ICD-10:S53.442
Short Description:Ulnar collateral ligament sprain of left elbow
Long Description:Ulnar collateral ligament sprain of left elbow
Status: Not Valid for Submission
Version:ICD-10-CM 2023
Code Classification:
  • Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00–T98)
    • Injuries to the elbow and forearm (S50-S59)
      • Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of elbow (S53)

S53.442 is a non-specific and non-billable ICD-10 code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of ulnar collateral ligament sprain of left elbow. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2023 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions. Category or Header define the heading of a category of codes that may be further subdivided by the use of 4th, 5th, 6th or 7th characters.

Coding Guidelines

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of elbow (S53). Use the following options for the aplicable episode of care:

Specific Coding for Ulnar collateral ligament sprain of left elbow

Non-specific codes like S53.442 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10 codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for ulnar collateral ligament sprain of left elbow:

  • BILLABLE CODE - Use S53.442A for initial encounter
  • BILLABLE CODE - Use S53.442D for subsequent encounter
  • BILLABLE CODE - Use S53.442S for sequela

Patient Education


Elbow Injuries and Disorders

Your elbow joint is made up of bone, cartilage, ligaments and fluid. Muscles and tendons help the elbow joint move. When any of these structures is hurt or diseased, you have elbow problems.

Many things can make your elbow hurt. A common cause is tendinitis, an inflammation or injury to the tendons that attach muscle to bone. Tendinitis of the elbow is a sports injury, often from playing tennis or golf. You may also get tendinitis from overuse of the elbow.

Other causes of elbow pain include sprains and strains, fractures (broken bones), dislocations, bursitis, and arthritis. Treatment depends on the cause.


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Sprains and Strains

A sprain is a stretched or torn ligament. Ligaments are tissues that connect bones at a joint. Falling, twisting, or getting hit can all cause a sprain. Ankle and wrist sprains are common. Symptoms include pain, swelling, bruising, and being unable to move your joint. You might feel a pop or tear when the injury happens.

A strain is a stretched or torn muscle or tendon. Tendons are tissues that connect muscle to bone. Twisting or pulling these tissues can cause a strain. Strains can happen suddenly or develop over time. Back and hamstring muscle strains are common. Many people get strains playing sports. Symptoms include pain, muscle spasms, swelling, and trouble moving the muscle.

At first, treatment of both sprains and strains usually involves resting the injured area, icing it, wearing a bandage or device that compresses the area, and medicines. Later treatment might include exercise and physical therapy.

NIH: National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases


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Code History