ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for elbow puncture
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Puncture › elbow”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding elbow puncture
The ICD-10-CM code for elbow puncture is S51.039 (Puncture wound without foreign body of unspecified elbow). The official index lists 5 more specific codes, so check the documentation for details such as type, cause, site or severity before settling on S51.039.
Within S51.03, choose S51.039 (unspecified elbow) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: right elbow (S51.031) and left elbow (S51.032).
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.
More specific elbow puncture codes (official index)
- with
- foreign body S51.049 — Puncture wound with foreign body of unspecified elbow
- left S51.032 — Puncture wound without foreign body of left elbow
- with
- foreign body S51.042 — Puncture wound with foreign body of left elbow
- right S51.031 — Puncture wound without foreign body of right elbow
- with
- foreign body S51.041 — Puncture wound with foreign body of right elbow
Common questions about elbow puncture ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for elbow puncture?
- S51.039 — Puncture wound without foreign body of unspecified elbow (a header code; report a more specific subcode). More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: S51.049, S51.032, S51.042, S51.031 and others below.
What is the ICD-10 code for left elbow puncture?
- S51.032 — Puncture wound without foreign body of left elbow (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
What is the ICD-10 code for right elbow puncture?
- S51.031 — Puncture wound without foreign body of right elbow (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
Is S51.039 billable?
- No. S51.039 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.