2025 ICD-10-CM code S53.196S
Other dislocation of unspecified ulnohumeral joint, sequela. This condition results from a prior injury where the ulnar part of the elbow joint completely separates from the humerus.
Medical necessity is established by documenting the cause-and-effect relationship between the prior dislocation and the current symptoms.The documentation must clearly support that the reported sequela is a direct result of the initial injury.
Providers diagnose the condition on the basis of the patient’s history and physical examination, thorough assessment of neurovascular status; imaging with X–rays or CT scan. Treatment options include manual joint reduction under local or regional anesthesia; open reduction with internal fixation if fractures are involved; after reduction, application of a splint after reduction, medications such as analgesics, muscle relaxants, or nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and rest, application of ice, and elevation of the arm.
In simple words: This code describes a long-term problem resulting from a dislocated elbow, where the bones of the joint were completely separated in a way not covered by other codes. It doesn't specify which elbow was injured or the exact details of the original dislocation.
Other dislocation of an unspecified ulnohumeral joint refers to complete disengagement of the ulnar portion of the elbow joint from the humerus, causing the ulna to move in one direction and the humerus in another, often caused by a fall onto an outstretched hand with the elbow extended on impact. The provider identifies a type of injury that is not represented by another code in this category but does not specify which arm is injured; this code applies to the sequela, a condition resulting from the initial injury.
Example 1: A patient presents with chronic pain and limited range of motion in their elbow following a previously treated dislocation that didn't involve the radial head. The current symptoms are a direct result of the old injury.Code S53.196S is used to indicate the sequela of the unspecified ulnohumeral joint dislocation., A patient experiences numbness and tingling in their forearm months after an elbow dislocation. Diagnostic studies confirm nerve entrapment as a residual effect of the dislocation. S53.196S is used to report this long-term complication (sequela) of the dislocation., A patient has recurrent instability in their elbow joint following a dislocation for which they underwent closed reduction. This ongoing instability, a sequela of the original dislocation, is reported using S53.196S.
Documentation should include details of the initial injury, treatment provided, and the current symptoms and their relation to the prior dislocation. Imaging reports, physical exam findings, and patient history are crucial for accurate coding.
- Specialties:Orthopedic Surgery, Emergency Medicine
- Place of Service:Office, Inpatient Hospital, On Campus-Outpatient Hospital, Emergency Room - Hospital, Outpatient Hospital