Sprain of jaw, left side, initial encounter

This code signifies a ligamentous injury to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) on the left side, resulting from trauma or excessive movement. It indicates an acute, initial presentation of a jaw sprain, often characterized by pain, swelling, and limited jaw mobility.

Apply this code for a patient presenting with a newly diagnosed sprain of the left TMJ, such as after a direct blow to the jaw, whiplash injury, or prolonged mouth opening. Documentation should clearly specify a sprain (ligamentous injury) rather than a fracture or dislocation, and laterality must be explicitly stated as left.

• Ensure documentation specifies "sprain" and not "strain" or "dislocation" for accurate coding.
• Confirm laterality is documented as "left" to differentiate from right or unspecified.
• This code is for the initial encounter; subsequent visits for the same injury will require a different seventh character.