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Arthroplasty of the radial head, as described by CPT® Code 24365, refers to a surgical procedure aimed at repairing or reconstructing the radial head, which is the top part of the radius bone in the forearm that forms part of the elbow joint. This procedure is typically indicated for patients suffering from conditions that lead to deterioration of the radial head, such as fractures, arthritis, or other degenerative joint diseases. The surgery can be performed using either a lateral or posterolateral approach, which involves making an incision in the forearm to access the radial head. During the procedure, the surgeon carefully exposes the annular ligament and identifies critical neurovascular structures to ensure they are protected throughout the operation. The damaged joint surface of the radial head is then removed, and various techniques may be employed to restore the joint's integrity and function. These techniques include covering the radial head with fascia to replace lost cartilage and bone, performing an interposition arthroplasty with materials such as fascia, cartilage, metal, or plastic, or conducting a gap arthroplasty that utilizes a decompression device to maintain the space between the remaining bony surfaces. This comprehensive approach aims to alleviate pain, restore mobility, and improve the overall function of the elbow joint.
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Arthroplasty of the radial head is indicated for various conditions affecting the radial head and elbow joint. The following are explicitly provided indications for this procedure:
The procedure for arthroplasty of the radial head involves several critical steps, which are detailed as follows:
After the arthroplasty of the radial head, patients can expect a recovery period that may involve pain management, physical therapy, and rehabilitation to restore function and mobility in the elbow joint. The specific post-procedure care will depend on the techniques used during surgery and the individual patient's condition. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor healing and assess the success of the procedure. Patients may be advised to avoid certain activities during the initial recovery phase to ensure proper healing and prevent complications.
| Short Descr | RECONSTRUCT HEAD OF RADIUS | Medium Descr | ARTHROPLASTY RADIAL HEAD | Long Descr | Arthroplasty, radial head; | 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 | Device-intensive procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later; paid at adjusted rate. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 154 - Arthroplasty other than hip or knee |
| 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). | 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. | 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.) | 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 | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | LT | Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body) | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | SG | Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service |
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| 2010-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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