S33.6xxa – Sprain of sacroiliac joint, initial encounter

S33.6XXA Diagnosis Code: Sprain of sacroiliac joint, initial encounter

The S33.6XXA is an ICD code that’s included in the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM, for short), and it is used to designate “Sprain of sacroiliac joint, initial encounter.”

This ICD code pertains to the sprain of the sacroiliac joint(s). When a sacroiliac joint is sprained, the ligaments in the joints are torn or overstretched. This can be caused by overworking the sacroiliac joint, wear and tear, and by accidents like falling.

If you’re wondering what “initial encounter” means, it’s the patient’s first time being assessed by a provider. Even if they’ve been diagnosed with this sprain before but by a different provider, “initial encounter” should be used if the current one is dealing with them for the first time.

Not only that, but the diagnosis code should be given while the patient is actively treated for the sacroiliac joint sprain.

Is the S33.6XXA billable?

Yes, this ICD-10-CM code is billable and can indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement.

S33.6XXA clinical information

The sacroiliac joints are these bones in our pelvises that help us support our body weight while also allowing us to twist our bodies at the hips. Ligaments hold these bones together, so if our sacroiliac joints become sprained, the ligaments are overstretched or torn.

If a person has sacroiliac joint sprain, they will likely have the following symptoms:

• Pain in the lower back
• Pain in the buttocks
• Pain from lower back or buttocks radiates to the groin and/or upper thighs
• Pain gets worse when the patient is standing or walking
• Pain gets relieved when the patient lies down

If the patient has any of these, they are likely to have sacroiliac joint pain. The patient’s healthcare provider or professional will conduct physical examinations like the Gaenslen’s Test, Flamingo Test, and a Distraction Test to check for the likelihood of having the sprain. Imaging tests will then be conducted to confirm whether there is a sprain.

Once the patient has been diagnosed, they can proceed with treatment. The treatment will depend on the severity of the sprain, but common treatments include ice or heat compresses, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, physical therapy, stretching exercises, and steroid injections. The last resort is surgery.

‍S33.6XXA synonyms include

• Complete tear, sacroiliac ligament
• Open complete rupture of sacroiliac joint
• Open dislocation of sacroiliac joint
• Sprain of anterior sacroiliac ligament
• Sprain of posterior sacroiliac ligament
• Sprain of sacroiliac ligament
• Sprain of sacroiliac region
• Traumatic dislocation of sacroiliac joint

‍Other ICD-10 codes commonly used for sacroiliac joint injuries

• S33.6XXD - Sprain of sacroiliac joint, subsequent encounter
• S33.6XXS - Sprain of sacroiliac joint, sequela
• S33.0XXA - Traumatic rupture of lumbar intervertebral disc, initial encounter
• S33.100A - Subluxation of unspecified lumbar vertebra, initial encounter
• S33.101A - Dislocation of unspecified lumbar vertebra, initial encounter
• S33.110A - Subluxation of L1/L2 lumbar vertebra, initial encounter
• S33.111A - Dislocation of L1/L2 lumbar vertebra, initial encounter
• S33.120A - Subluxation of L2/L3 lumbar vertebra, initial encounter
• S33.121A - Dislocation of L2/L3 lumbar vertebra, initial encounter
• S33.130A - Subluxation of L3/L4 lumbar vertebra, initial encounter
• S33.131A - Dislocation of L3/L4 lumbar vertebra, initial encounter
• S33.140A - Subluxation of L4/L5 lumbar vertebra, initial encounter
• S33.141A - Dislocation of L4/L5 lumbar vertebra, initial encounter