S51 – Open wound of elbow and forearm

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

Non-billable header

ICD-10-CM code S51

Code: S51 (claims format: S51)
Description: Open wound of elbow and forearm
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

Billable codes under S51

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

S51.0 – Open wound of elbowHeader (more codes below)
S51.8 – Open wound of forearmHeader (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 for S51

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

Notes inherited from parent codes

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

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)

Frequently asked questions

What is ICD-10 code S51?

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

Is S51 a billable code?

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

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.