S53.4 is the authoritative medical code for Sprain of elbow. This classification is used in medical billing and clinical recording to specify the clinical criteria for sprain of elbow (ICD-10-CM S53.4), 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
Sprain of elbow is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code S53.4. 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. Excludes2 (not included here): traumatic rupture of radial collateral ligament S53.2-; traumatic rupture of ulnar collateral ligament S53.3-; 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 S53.4 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
Excludes2 — Not Included Here
Conditions not covered by this code, but which may be reported alongside it when both are present.
- traumatic rupture of radial collateral ligament S53.2-
- traumatic rupture of ulnar collateral ligament S53.3-
- 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 S53.4 be billed directly?
No. S53.4 (Sprain of elbow) is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code. A more specific billable subcode must be selected based on clinical documentation.
Does S53.4 require a 7th character?
Yes. The appropriate 7th character is to be added to each code from category S53.
Can S53.4 be reported alongside related conditions?
Per official ICD-10-CM Excludes2 instructions, S53.4 and the following are not considered part of each other and may both be reported when both conditions are present: traumatic rupture of radial collateral ligament (S53.2-); traumatic rupture of ulnar collateral ligament (S53.3-); strain of muscle, fascia and tendon at forearm level (S56.-); burns and corrosions (T20-T32).
Nearest Codes in This Family
Official ICD-10-CM classifications closest to S53.4 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