2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code S93.409

Sprain of unspecified ligament of unspecified ankle

ICD-10-CM Code:
S93.409
ICD-10 Code for:
Sprain of unspecified ligament of unspecified ankle
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes
    (S00–T88)
    • Injuries to the ankle and foot
      (S90-S99)
      • Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments at ankle, foot and toe level
        (S93)

S93.409 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of sprain of unspecified ligament of unspecified ankle. The code is not specific and is NOT valid for the year 2024 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.

Unspecified diagnosis codes like S93.409 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.

Specific Coding Applicable to Sprain of unspecified ligament of unspecified ankle

Non-specific codes like S93.409 require more digits to indicate the appropriate level of specificity. Consider using any of the following ICD-10-CM codes with a higher level of specificity when coding for sprain of unspecified ligament of unspecified ankle:

  • Use S93.409A for initial encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S93.409D for subsequent encounter - BILLABLE CODE

  • Use S93.409S for sequela - BILLABLE CODE

Approximate Synonyms

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

  • Acute disruption of ankle syndesmosis
  • Avulsion fracture of anterior fibula
  • Avulsion of ligament with bony fragment
  • Avulsion of ligament with bony fragment
  • Avulsion of ligament with bony fragment of lateral malleolus
  • Avulsion of ligament with bony fragment of medial malleolus
  • Complete tear, ankle and/or foot ligament
  • Rupture of ankle ligament
  • Sprain of ankle
  • Sprain of ankle and/or foot
  • Sprain of ankle grade I
  • Sprain of ankle grade II
  • Sprain of ankle grade III
  • Supination-adduction injury of ankle
  • Supination-adduction injury of ankle, stage 1
  • Supination-adduction injury of ankle, stage 2
  • Supination-eversion injury of ankle
  • Supination-eversion injury of ankle, stage 1
  • Supination-eversion injury of ankle, stage 2
  • Supination-eversion injury of ankle, stage 3
  • Supination-eversion injury of ankle, stage 4
  • Supination-internal rotation injury of ankle

Coding Guidelines

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from block Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments at ankle, foot and toe level (S93). Use the following options for the aplicable episode of care:

  • A - initial encounter
  • D - subsequent encounter
  • S - sequela

Patient Education


Ankle Injuries and Disorders

Your ankle bone and the ends of your two lower leg bones make up the ankle joint. Your ligaments, which connect bones to one another, stabilize and support it. Your muscles and tendons move it.

The most common ankle problems are sprains and fractures (broken bones). A sprain is an injury to the ligaments. It may take a few weeks to many months to heal completely. A fracture is a break in a bone. You can also injure other parts of the ankle such as tendons, which join muscles to bone, and cartilage, which cushions your joints. Ankle sprains and fractures are common sports injuries.


[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


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

Code History

  • FY 2024 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2023 through 9/30/2024
  • FY 2023 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2022 through 9/30/2023
  • FY 2022 - No Change, effective from 10/1/2021 through 9/30/2022
  • 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. This was the first year ICD-10-CM was implemented into the HIPAA code set.