All ICD10 Codes
S03Not billable, use a more specific code below

Dislocation and sprain of joints and ligaments of head

In Injuries to the head (S00-S09), chapter 19: Injury, Poisoning and Certain Other Consequences of External Causes

36 billable codes under S03: none are a CC or MCC; none map to an HCC.

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Instructional notes

Includes: conditions that are coded here

  • avulsion of joint (capsule) or ligament of head
  • laceration of cartilage, joint (capsule) or ligament of head
  • sprain of cartilage, joint (capsule) or ligament of head
  • traumatic hemarthrosis of joint or ligament of head
  • traumatic rupture of joint or ligament of head
  • traumatic subluxation of joint or ligament of head
  • traumatic tear of joint or ligament of head

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

  • Strain of muscle or tendon of head (S09.1)

Code also: add a code for this too, order depends on the encounter

  • any associated open wound

Also applies, from Injuries to the head (S00-S09)

These notes sit on S00-S09 and apply to every code under it, including S03.

Includes: conditions that are coded here

  • injuries of ear
  • injuries of eye
  • injuries of face [any part]
  • injuries of gum
  • injuries of jaw
  • injuries of oral cavity
  • injuries of palate
  • injuries of periocular area
  • injuries of scalp
  • injuries of temporomandibular joint area
  • injuries of tongue
  • injuries of tooth

Excludes2: not included here, code separately if applicable

  • burns and corrosions (T20-T32)
  • effects of foreign body in ear (T16)
  • effects of foreign body in larynx (T17.3)
  • effects of foreign body in mouth NOS (T18.0)
  • effects of foreign body in nose (T17.0-T17.1)
  • effects of foreign body in pharynx (T17.2)
  • effects of foreign body on external eye (T15.-)
  • frostbite (T33-T34)
  • insect bite or sting, venomous (T63.4)

Code also: add a code for this too, order depends on the encounter

  • for any associated infection

Official coding guidelines

From the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting, FY 2027 (CMS and NCHS). Links open the PDF at the right page.

Covers 7th character use and coding of injuries, fractures, burns, drug and toxic effects, abuse and neglect, and complications of care (S00-T88).

Read Section I.C.19 (page 77)

All codes under S03

S03 can't be used on a claim. Pick a billable code below; grey headings group them.

S03 MS-DRGs

As the principal diagnosis, the billable codes under S03 group to these 15 MS-DRGs (v44.0). Which one applies depends on procedures performed, secondary diagnoses (CC/MCC), and the patient's age and discharge status.

About the condition

Plain-language background from MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine), not coding guidance.

Dislocations

Dislocations are joint injuries that force the ends of your bones out of position. The cause is often a fall or a blow, sometimes from playing a contact sport. You can dislocate your ankles, knees, shoulders, hips, elbows and jaw. You can also dislocate your finger and toe joints. Dislocated joints often are swollen, very painful and visibly out of place. You may not be able to move it.

Read more about dislocations on MedlinePlus

Head Injuries

Chances are you've bumped your head before. Often, the injury is minor because your skull is hard and it protects your brain. But other head injuries can be more severe, such as a skull fracture, concussion, or traumatic brain injury.

Read more about head injuries on MedlinePlus

Code history

Valid since FY2016, when ICD-10-CM took effect on October 1, 2015. No changes since.