Sprain of jaw, bilateral, initial encounter

This code signifies a ligamentous injury to both temporomandibular joints (TMJs), resulting in pain, limited jaw movement, and tenderness. It indicates a stretching or tearing of the connective tissues supporting the jaw, without dislocation or fracture.

Apply this code for patients presenting with acute, non-traumatic or traumatic bilateral jaw pain and dysfunction diagnosed as a sprain. Documentation should clearly state "bilateral jaw sprain" or "bilateral TMJ sprain" and specify "initial encounter" for the current episode of care.

• Ensure documentation explicitly states "bilateral" involvement of the jaw/TMJ.
• Verify that the encounter is indeed the "initial encounter" for this specific injury; subsequent encounters will require a different seventh character.
• Differentiate from jaw dislocation (S03.0XXA) or subluxation (S03.41XA, S03.42XA) which involve displacement of the joint.