S53.21 is the authoritative medical code for Traumatic rupture of right radial collateral ligament. This classification is used in medical billing and clinical recording to specify the clinical criteria for traumatic rupture of right radial collateral ligament (ICD-10-CM S53.21), ensuring healthcare documentation aligns with 2026 federal coding standards.
Billing Status: NO. This is a clinician non-billable / parent hierarchy grouping in the ICD-10-CM system.
Official Registry Overview & Definition
Traumatic rupture of right radial collateral ligament is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code S53.21. A more specific billable subcode must be selected for claims submission. 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. Excludes1 (not coded here): sprain of radial collateral ligament NOS S53.43-. Excludes2 (not included here): strain of muscle, fascia and tendon at forearm level S56.-; burns and corrosions T20-T32; frostbite T33-T34; injuries of wrist and hand S60-S69; insect bite or sting, venomous T63.4. Code also: any associated open wound. 7th character: The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category S53.
Official Tabular Instructional Notes
Sequencing, inclusion, and exclusion notes published for S53.21 in the official ICD-10-CM tabular list.
Includes
Conditions the official ICD-10-CM tabular list includes under this code.
- 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
Excludes1 — Not Coded Here
Conditions that can never be reported with this code; the two are mutually exclusive.
- sprain of radial collateral ligament NOS S53.43-
Excludes2 — Not Included Here
Conditions not covered by this code, but which may be reported alongside it when both are present.
- strain of muscle, fascia and tendon at forearm level S56.-
- burns and corrosions T20-T32
- frostbite T33-T34
- injuries of wrist and hand S60-S69
- insect bite or sting, venomous T63.4
Code Also
Additional codes that may be required to fully describe the encounter.
- any associated open wound
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Clinical Guidance
Can S53.21 be billed directly?
No. S53.21 (Traumatic rupture of right radial collateral ligament) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code. A more specific billable subcode must be selected based on clinical documentation.
Does S53.21 require a 7th character?
Yes. The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category S53.
What can't be coded together with S53.21?
Per official ICD-10-CM Excludes1 instructions, S53.21 must not be reported together with: sprain of radial collateral ligament NOS (S53.43-).
Can S53.21 be reported alongside related conditions?
Per official ICD-10-CM Excludes2 instructions, S53.21 and the following are not considered part of each other and may both be reported when both conditions are present: strain of muscle, fascia and tendon at forearm level (S56.-); burns and corrosions (T20-T32); frostbite (T33-T34); injuries of wrist and hand (S60-S69).
Nearest Codes in This Family
Official ICD-10-CM classifications closest to S53.21 in its code family, with their registry titles.
- S53 — Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of elbow
- S53.0 — Subluxation and dislocation of radial head
- S53.00 — Unspecified subluxation and dislocation of radial head
- S53.001 — Unspecified subluxation of right radial head
- S53.001A — Unspecified subluxation of right radial head, initial encounter
- S53.001D — Unspecified subluxation of right radial head, subsequent encounter
- S53.001S — Unspecified subluxation of right radial head, sequela
- S53.002 — Unspecified subluxation of left radial head
- S53.002A — Unspecified subluxation of left radial head, initial encounter
- S53.002D — Unspecified subluxation of left radial head, subsequent encounter
View all 40 codes in the S53 family