ICD-10-CM 2027
ICD-10 code for elbow sprain
From the official ICD-10-CM alphabetic index entry “Sprain (joint) (ligament) › elbow”. Page updated September 29, 2026.
About coding elbow sprain
The ICD-10-CM code for elbow sprain is S53.40 (Unspecified sprain of 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 S53.40.
Within S53.4, choose S53.40 (Unspecified sprain of elbow) only when documentation doesn't support a more specific option: Radiohumeral (joint) sprain (S53.41), ulnohumeral (joint) sprain (S53.42), radial collateral ligament sprain (S53.43), ulnar collateral ligament sprain (S53.44) and other sprain of elbow (S53.49).
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 sprain codes (official index)
- radial collateral ligament S53.43 — Radial collateral ligament sprain
- radiohumeral S53.41 — Radiohumeral (joint) sprain
- rupture
- radial collateral ligament
- ulnar collateral ligament
- specified type NEC S53.49 — Other sprain of elbow
- ulnar collateral ligament S53.44 — Ulnar collateral ligament sprain
- ulnohumeral S53.42 — Ulnohumeral (joint) sprain
Common questions about elbow sprain ICD-10 codes
What is the ICD-10 code for elbow sprain?
- S53.40 — Unspecified sprain of elbow (a header code; report a more specific subcode). More specific codes apply when the documentation supports them: S53.43, S53.41, S53.49, S53.44 and others below.
What is the ICD-10 code for radial collateral ligament elbow sprain?
- S53.43 — Radial collateral ligament sprain (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
What is the ICD-10 code for radiohumeral elbow sprain?
- S53.41 — Radiohumeral (joint) sprain (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
What is the ICD-10 code for ulnar collateral ligament elbow sprain?
- S53.44 — Ulnar collateral ligament sprain (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
What is the ICD-10 code for ulnohumeral elbow sprain?
- S53.42 — Ulnohumeral (joint) sprain (header code; choose a more specific subcode).
Is S53.40 billable?
- No. S53.40 is a header code. Report one of its more specific subcodes instead.