Version 2024

2024 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code S53

Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of elbow

ICD-10-CM Code:
S53
ICD-10 Code for:
Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of elbow
Is Billable?
Not Valid for Submission
Code Navigator:

Code Classification

  • Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes
    (S00–T88)
    • Injuries to the elbow and forearm
      (S50-S59)
      • Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of elbow
        (S53)

S53 is a non-specific and non-billable diagnosis code code, consider using a code with a higher level of specificity for a diagnosis of dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of elbow. 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.

Specific Coding Applicable to Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of elbow

Non-specific codes like S53 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 dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of elbow:

  • S53.0 for Subluxation and dislocation of radial head - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • S53.00 for Unspecified subluxation and dislocation of radial head - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • S53.01 for Anterior subluxation and dislocation of radial head - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • S53.02 for Posterior subluxation and dislocation of radial head - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • S53.03 for Nursemaid's elbow - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • S53.09 for Other subluxation and dislocation of radial head - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • S53.1 for Subluxation and dislocation of ulnohumeral joint - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • S53.10 for Unspecified subluxation and dislocation of ulnohumeral joint - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • S53.11 for Anterior subluxation and dislocation of ulnohumeral joint - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • S53.12 for Posterior subluxation and dislocation of ulnohumeral joint - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • S53.13 for Medial subluxation and dislocation of ulnohumeral joint - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • S53.14 for Lateral subluxation and dislocation of ulnohumeral joint - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • S53.19 for Other subluxation and dislocation of ulnohumeral joint - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • S53.2 for Traumatic rupture of radial collateral ligament - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • S53.20 for Traumatic rupture of unspecified radial collateral ligament - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • S53.21 for Traumatic rupture of right radial collateral ligament - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • S53.22 for Traumatic rupture of left radial collateral ligament - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • S53.3 for Traumatic rupture of ulnar collateral ligament - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • S53.30 for Traumatic rupture of unspecified ulnar collateral ligament - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • S53.31 for Traumatic rupture of right ulnar collateral ligament - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • S53.32 for Traumatic rupture of left ulnar collateral ligament - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • S53.4 for Sprain of elbow - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • S53.40 for Unspecified sprain of elbow - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • S53.41 for Radiohumeral (joint) sprain - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • S53.42 for Ulnohumeral (joint) sprain - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • S53.43 for Radial collateral ligament sprain - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • S53.44 for Ulnar collateral ligament sprain - NON-BILLABLE CODE

  • S53.49 for Other sprain of elbow - NON-BILLABLE CODE

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:

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

Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries

The following annotation back-references are applicable to this diagnosis code. The Tabular List of Diseases and Injuries is a list of ICD-10-CM codes, organized "head to toe" into chapters and sections with coding notes and guidance for inclusions, exclusions, descriptions and more.


Includes

Includes
This note appears immediately under a three character code title to further define, or give examples of, the content of the category.
  • avulsion of joint or ligament of elbow
  • laceration of cartilage, joint or ligament of elbow
  • sprain of cartilage, joint or ligament of elbow
  • traumatic hemarthrosis of joint or ligament of elbow
  • traumatic rupture of joint or ligament of elbow
  • traumatic subluxation of joint or ligament of elbow
  • traumatic tear of joint or ligament of elbow

Code Also

Code Also
A "code also" note instructs that two codes may be required to fully describe a condition, but this note does not provide sequencing direction.
  • any associated open wound

Type 2 Excludes

Type 2 Excludes
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.
  • strain of muscle, fascia and tendon at forearm level S56

7th Character Note

7th Character Note
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.
  • The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category S53

7th Character

7th Character
Indicates that a seventh character is to be assigned to codes in a subcategory.
  • A - initial encounter
  • D - subsequent encounter
  • S - sequela

Patient Education


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. Dislocated joints often are swollen, very painful and visibly out of place. You may not be able to move it.

A dislocated joint is an emergency. If you have one, seek medical attention. Treatment depends on which joint you dislocate and the severity of the injury. It might include manipulations to reposition your bones, medicine, a splint or sling, and rehabilitation. When properly repositioned, a joint will usually function and move normally again in a few weeks. Once you dislocate a shoulder or kneecap, you are more likely to dislocate it again. Wearing protective gear during sports may help prevent dislocations.


[Learn More in MedlinePlus]

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


[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.