S53 – Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of elbow

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

Non-billable header

ICD-10-CM code S53

Code: S53 (claims format: S53)
Description: Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments 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

Billable codes under S53

S53 is a header code and cannot be used on claims. Choose the most specific code:

S53.0 – Subluxation and dislocation of radial headHeader (more codes below)
S53.1 – Subluxation and dislocation of ulnohumeral jointHeader (more codes below)
S53.2 – Traumatic rupture of radial collateral ligamentHeader (more codes below)
S53.3 – Traumatic rupture of ulnar collateral ligamentHeader (more codes below)
S53.4 – Sprain 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 for S53

Includes:

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

Excludes2 (not included here):

strain of muscle, fascia and tendon at forearm level (S56.-)

Code also:

any associated open wound

7th character note:

The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category S53

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 S53?

S53 is the ICD-10-CM code for dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of elbow, in the block S50-S59 (Injuries to the elbow and forearm).

Is S53 a billable code?

No. S53 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.