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Official Description

Open treatment of orbital floor blowout fracture; periorbital approach, with alloplastic or other implant

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 21390 involves the open treatment of an orbital floor blowout fracture through a periorbital approach, utilizing an alloplastic or other type of implant. This surgical intervention aims to restore both the anatomical structure and functional capabilities of the eye and surrounding facial area. Orbital floor blowout fractures are frequently associated with mid-facial trauma, which can lead to complications such as entrapment of extraocular muscles, resulting in restricted eye movement, as well as aesthetic deformities of the face. The surgical technique begins with an incision made along the lower eyelid, specifically through the conjunctiva, which is positioned just below the base of the tarsus. This incision allows for the placement of traction sutures that facilitate the elevation of the conjunctiva to protect the cornea during the procedure. Following this, a careful dissection is performed between the orbital septum and the orbicularis muscle, extending to the orbital rim. The periosteum, a layer of tissue covering the bone, is then opened and elevated from the orbital floor to access the fracture site. Any herniated orbital tissue is either removed or repositioned back into the orbit to restore normal anatomy. The fracture itself is reduced, and an orbital implant made from materials such as porous polyethylene, silicone, Teflon, Supramid, titanium mesh, bioresorbable copolymer plates, or Vicryl mesh is inserted to fill the resulting bony defect. The procedure concludes with a thorough check for hemostasis, followed by the removal of traction sutures, repositioning of the conjunctiva, and closure of the incision with sutures, ensuring a secure and aesthetically pleasing result.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The open treatment of an orbital floor blowout fracture using a periorbital approach is indicated for patients who present with specific symptoms and conditions associated with this type of injury. These indications include:

  • Orbital Floor Blowout Fracture - This procedure is performed when there is a fracture of the orbital floor, which can occur due to trauma, often resulting in the displacement of orbital contents.
  • Extraocular Muscle Entrapment - Indications include cases where there is entrapment of the extraocular muscles, leading to impaired eye movement and potential diplopia (double vision).
  • Aesthetic Facial Deformity - The procedure is also indicated for patients who exhibit visible facial deformities resulting from the fracture, which may affect their appearance and self-esteem.
  • Vision Impairment - If the fracture is causing or has the potential to cause vision impairment, surgical intervention may be necessary to prevent further complications.

2. Procedure

The open treatment of an orbital floor blowout fracture involves several critical procedural steps, which are outlined as follows:

  • Step 1: Incision - The procedure begins with an incision made through the conjunctiva along the lower eyelid, positioned just below the base of the tarsus. This incision allows access to the orbital area while minimizing visible scarring.
  • Step 2: Traction Sutures - Traction sutures are placed to elevate the conjunctiva, which is pulled superiorly to protect the cornea during the surgical intervention.
  • Step 3: Blunt Dissection - A blunt dissection is performed in the plane between the orbital septum and the orbicularis muscle, extending to the orbital rim to expose the fracture site.
  • Step 4: Elevation of Periosteum - The periosteum is opened and elevated off the orbital floor, providing access to the underlying fracture and any herniated tissue.
  • Step 5: Management of Herniated Tissue - The herniated orbital tissue is either removed or repositioned back into the orbit to restore normal anatomical positioning.
  • Step 6: Fracture Reduction - The fracture is carefully reduced to align the bony structures properly, ensuring stability and function.
  • Step 7: Implant Insertion - An orbital implant is then inserted to fill the bony deficit. The implant may be made from various materials, including porous polyethylene, silicone, Teflon, Supramid, titanium mesh, bioresorbable copolymer plates, or Vicryl mesh, depending on the specific needs of the patient.
  • Step 8: Hemostasis and Closure - After confirming hemostasis, the traction sutures are cut, the conjunctiva is repositioned, and the incision is closed with sutures to complete the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the open treatment of an orbital floor blowout fracture is essential for optimal recovery. Patients are typically monitored for any signs of complications, such as infection or excessive swelling. Pain management may be provided as needed, and patients are advised to avoid activities that could strain the eye or facial area during the initial recovery period. Follow-up appointments are crucial to assess healing, monitor for any residual issues related to eye movement or vision, and ensure that the implant is functioning as intended. Patients may also receive instructions on how to care for the surgical site and when to resume normal activities.

Short Descr OPN TX ORBIT PERIORBTL IMPLT
Medium Descr OPTX ORB FLOOR BLWT FX PRI/BITAL APPR W/ALLPLSTC
Long Descr Open treatment of orbital floor blowout fracture; periorbital approach, with alloplastic or other implant
Status Code Active Code
Global Days 090 - Major Surgery
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 2 - Standard payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 1 - Co-surgeons could be paid, though supporting documentation is required...
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Non office-based surgical procedure added in CY 2008 or later; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 144 - Treatment, facial fracture or dislocation
22 Increased procedural services: when the work required to provide a service is substantially greater than typically required, it may be identified by adding modifier 22 to the usual procedure code. documentation must support the substantial additional work and the reason for the additional work (ie, increased intensity, time, technical difficulty of procedure, severity of patient's condition, physical and mental effort required). note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
51 Multiple procedures: when multiple procedures, other than e/m services, physical medicine and rehabilitation services or provision of supplies (eg, vaccines), are performed at the same session by the same individual, the primary procedure or service may be reported as listed. the additional procedure(s) or service(s) may be identified by appending modifier 51 to the additional procedure or service code(s). note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
55 Postoperative management only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performed the postoperative management and another performed the surgical procedure, the postoperative component may be identified by adding modifier 55 to the usual procedure number.
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
59 Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25.
62 Two surgeons: when 2 surgeons work together as primary surgeons performing distinct part(s) of a procedure, each surgeon should report his/her distinct operative work by adding modifier 62 to the procedure code and any associated add-on code(s) for that procedure as long as both surgeons continue to work together as primary surgeons. each surgeon should report the co-surgery once using the same procedure code. if additional procedure(s) (including add-on procedure(s) are performed during the same surgical session, separate code(s) may also be reported with modifier 62 added. note: if a co-surgeon acts as an assistant in the performance of additional procedure(s), other than those reported with the modifier 62, during the same surgical session, those services may be reported using separate procedure code(s) with modifier 80 or modifier 82 added, as appropriate.
78 Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GJ "opt out" physician or practitioner emergency or urgent service
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
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Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Short Descriptor changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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