ICD-10-CM 2027 diagnosis code

S53.033Nursemaid's elbow, unspecified elbow

Not billable — use a more specific codeRequires 7th character

S53.033 is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself. Choose one of the 3 more specific codes beneath it and add the required 7th character.

Code unchanged since ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. Source: official FY2027 ICD-10-CM release from CDC/NCHS and CMS. Page updated September 29, 2026. About our data

About S53.033

S53.033 is the ICD-10-CM diagnosis code for Nursemaid's elbow, unspecified elbow. It belongs to category S53 (dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of elbow), block S50-S59 (injuries to the elbow and forearm) and chapter 19 (injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes). It is a header code, so it can't be reported by itself; one of its 3 subcodes must be used instead.

Within S53.03, choose S53.033 (unspecified elbow) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: right elbow (S53.031) and left elbow (S53.032).

Codes in this range require a 7th character: A for initial encounter, D for subsequent encounter and S for sequela. Use placeholder "X" characters to fill any empty positions before the 7th character.

It has been part of ICD-10-CM since the code set took effect on October 1, 2015 and hasn't changed since.

7th character

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

Ainitial encounterS53.033A
Dsubsequent encounterS53.033D
SsequelaS53.033S

Notes that apply from higher levels

Instructions written at a parent level also apply to S53.033.

› From S53.0 Subluxation and dislocation of radial head

Excludes1

Monteggia's fracture-dislocation (S52.27-)

› From S53 Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of elbow

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

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

Code also

any associated open wound

Broader instructions also apply from S50-S59 Injuries to the elbow and forearm and Chapter 19: Injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes.

Code history

2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027

FY2016 (effective 10/1/2015): Added (first year of ICD-10-CM)
No changes since FY2016.

Common questions about S53.033

Is S53.033 billable?: No. S53.033 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.