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  2. ICD-10-CM Index
  3. Chapter: S00–T98
  4. Section: S50-S59
  5. Block: S53
  6. S53.449A - Ulnar collateral ligament sprain of unsp elbow, init encntr

2022 ICD-10-CM Code S53.449A
Ulnar collateral ligament sprain of unspecified elbow, initial encounter

Version 2022
Billable Code
7th Character Code
Unspecified Code
Initial Code
MS-DRG Mapping
ICD-10:S53.449A
Short Description:Ulnar collateral ligament sprain of unsp elbow, init encntr
Long Description:Ulnar collateral ligament sprain of unspecified elbow, initial encounter
Status: Valid for Submission

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)

S53.449A is a billable diagnosis code used to specify a medical diagnosis of ulnar collateral ligament sprain of unspecified elbow, initial encounter. The code S53.449A is valid during the fiscal year 2022 from October 01, 2021 through September 30, 2022 for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions.

The ICD-10-CM code S53.449A might also be used to specify conditions or terms like complete tear ulnar collateral ligament, complete tear, elbow joint, complete tear, elbow joint, medial collateral ligament, rupture of elbow ligament, sprain of ligament of elbow , sprain, elbow joint, medial collateral ligament, etc.

S53.449A is an initial encounter code, includes a 7th character and should be used while the patient is receiving active treatment for a condition like ulnar collateral ligament sprain of unspecified elbow. According to ICD-10-CM Guidelines an "initial encounter" doesn't necessarily means "initial visit". The 7th character should be used when the patient is undergoing active treatment regardless if new or different providers saw the patient over the course of a treatment. The appropriate 7th character codes should also be used even if the patient delayed seeking treatment for a condition.

Unspecified diagnosis codes like S53.449A are acceptable when clinical information is unknown or not available about a particular condition. Although a more specific code is preferable, unspecified codes should be used when such codes most accurately reflect what is known about a patient's condition. Specific diagnosis codes should not be used if not supported by the patient's medical record.

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:

Approximate Synonyms

The following clinical terms are approximate synonyms or lay terms that might be used to identify the correct diagnosis code:

Convert S53.449A to ICD-9 Code

The General Equivalency Mapping (GEM) crosswalk indicates an approximate mapping between the ICD-10 code S53.449A its ICD-9 equivalent. The approximate mapping means there is not an exact match between the ICD-10 code and the ICD-9 code and the mapped code is not a precise representation of the original code.

Information for Patients


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.


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

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

  • FY 2021 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2020 through 9/30/2021
  • FY 2020 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2019 through 9/30/2020
  • FY 2019 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2018 through 9/30/2019
  • FY 2018 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2017 through 9/30/2018
  • FY 2017 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2016 through 9/30/2017
  • FY 2016 - New Code, effective from 10/1/2015 through 9/30/2016 (First year ICD-10-CM implemented into the HIPAA code set)

Previous Code: S53.449

Parent Code: S53.449

Next Code: S53.449D