S51.0 – Open wound of elbow

ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code · Injuries to the elbow and forearm

Non-billable header

ICD-10-CM code S51.0

Code: S51.0 (claims format: S510)
Description: Open wound of elbow
Billable: No – use a more specific code below
Valid for: Dates of service October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 (FY2027)
Chapter: 19. Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)
Block: S50-S59 Injuries to the elbow and forearm
Parent codes: S51

Billable codes under S51.0

S51.0 is a header code and cannot be used on claims. Choose the most specific code:

S51.00 – Unspecified open wound of elbowHeader (more codes below)
S51.01 – Laceration without foreign body of elbowHeader (more codes below)
S51.02 – Laceration with foreign body of elbowHeader (more codes below)
S51.03 – Puncture wound without foreign body of elbowHeader (more codes below)
S51.04 – Puncture wound with foreign body of elbowHeader (more codes below)
S51.05 – Open bite of elbowHeader (more codes below)

7th character values

Codes in this category need a 7th character to describe the encounter or episode of care (use placeholder X for empty positions).

Character	Meaning
`A`	initial encounter
`D`	subsequent encounter
`S`	sequela

Notes inherited from parent codes

Instructional notes at a category or block level apply to every code below it.

S51 – Open wound of elbow and forearm

Excludes1 (not coded here):

open fracture of elbow and forearm (S52.- with open fracture 7th character)
traumatic amputation of elbow and forearm (S58.-)

Excludes2 (not included here):

open wound of wrist and hand (S61.-)

Code also:

any associated wound infection

7th character note:

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category S51

Block S50-S59

Excludes2 (not included here):

burns and corrosions (T20-T32)
frostbite (T33-T34)
injuries of wrist and hand (S60-S69)
insect bite or sting, venomous (T63.4)

Related codes in S51

S51.8 – Open wound of forearmHeader

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10 code S51.0?

S51.0 is the ICD-10-CM code for open wound of elbow, in the block S50-S59 (Injuries to the elbow and forearm).

Is S51.0 a billable code?

No. S51.0 is a header code with more specific child codes; report one of the billable codes listed above.

What category does S51.0 belong to?

It belongs to category S51 – Open wound of elbow and forearm.

Source: CDC/NCHS ICD-10-CM FY2027 code files, tabular list and index. Reference only – code assignment must follow the official ICD-10-CM guidelines and documentation in the medical record.