S53.145A Lateral dislocation of left ulnohumeral joint, initial encounter

ICD-10-CM S53.145A: Lateral dislocation of left ulnohumeral joint, initial encounter

ICD-10-CM code S53.145A identifies a lateral dislocation of the left ulnohumeral joint during an initial encounter. The elbow joint is supported by collateral ligaments and a joint capsule. Clinical evaluation of elbow dislocations involves palpating for tenderness and assessing range of motion, while plain radiographs are used to evaluate the direction of the dislocation. 3 2

Plain-language overview

Code S53.145A describes a lateral dislocation of the left ulnohumeral joint during an initial encounter. The elbow joint functions as a hinge and pivot joint, combining the lateral radiocapitellar joint and the proximal radioulnar joint. 3 2

What this code represents

The code S53.145A falls under the S53 category for dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of the elbow. The code structure specifies a lateral direction, left laterality, and an initial encounter character. 3

Coding details

The S53 category includes distinct codes for different dislocation directions and lateralities, such as S53.144A for a right lateral dislocation and S53.145D for a subsequent encounter of a left lateral dislocation. 3

Clinical context

Static supporting structures of the elbow include the joint capsule and collateral ligaments on the medial and lateral sides. Posterolateral is the most frequent pattern of elbow dislocation, with posterior and posterolateral directions accounting for 90% of dislocations. 2

Documentation considerations

Clinical evaluation of an elbow dislocation includes palpating the elbow for tenderness and performing a cautious range of motion assessment. Plain radiographs, including anteroposterior and lateral views, are used to identify the direction of the dislocation. 2

What the sources add

The clinical source describes elbow anatomy and the evaluation of dislocation direction, while the coding source provides the specific ICD-10-CM code hierarchy that categorizes elbow dislocations by direction, laterality, and encounter. 2 3

Coverage and utilization context

The supplied coding excerpt lists S53.145A among related elbow dislocation codes but does not establish payer-specific coverage criteria or reimbursement guidelines for this diagnosis. 3

Questions to verify

The excerpts do not indicate whether S53.145A is designated as a billable code for specific insurance claims. Verifying its billable status requires consulting an official, current ICD-10-CM coding manual. 3

Sources

1. Surgical Treatment of Chronic Elbow Dislocation Allowing for Early Range of Motion: Operative Technique and Clinical Results — pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; accessed 2026-07-25.
2. Bookshelf — ncbi.nlm.nih.gov; accessed 2026-07-25.
3. ICD-10-CM 2024 | S53 - Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of elbow — unboundmedicine.com; accessed 2026-07-25.