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Official Description

Percutaneous sacral augmentation (sacroplasty), bilateral injections, including the use of a balloon or mechanical device, when used, 2 or more needles, includes imaging guidance and bone biopsy, when performed

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Percutaneous sacroplasty, also known as sacral augmentation, is a minimally invasive procedure designed to address sacral insufficiency fractures, which are particularly prevalent among postmenopausal women suffering from osteoporosis. These fractures can lead to significant pain and disability, often necessitating intervention beyond conservative management such as bed rest and pain relief. The procedure involves the use of fluoroscopic imaging to guide the placement of one or more trocar needles into the sacrum, allowing for precise access to the marrow cavity. During the procedure, a biocompatible material called polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) is mixed with sterile barium and injected into the marrow space. This mixture serves to stabilize the fractured bone and alleviate pain by providing structural support. In cases where bilateral injections are required, two or more needles are utilized to ensure effective treatment on both sides of the sacrum. Additionally, a bone biopsy may be performed during the sacroplasty to obtain tissue samples for further analysis, enhancing the overall diagnostic and therapeutic value of the procedure.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of percutaneous sacroplasty is indicated for patients presenting with sacral insufficiency fractures, particularly in the following scenarios:

  • Postmenopausal Women These individuals are at a higher risk for osteoporosis, which significantly increases the likelihood of developing sacral insufficiency fractures.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with this condition may experience weakened bone structure, contributing to fracture risk.
  • Steroid Therapy Long-term use of corticosteroids can lead to bone density loss, making fractures more likely.
  • Previous Hip Replacement Surgical interventions in the hip region can affect the biomechanics of the pelvis and sacrum, increasing fracture susceptibility.
  • Radiation Therapy to the Pelvis This treatment can compromise bone integrity, leading to a higher incidence of fractures in the sacral area.

2. Procedure

The percutaneous sacroplasty procedure involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment of sacral insufficiency fractures:

  • Step 1: Patient Positioning and Imaging Guidance The patient is positioned appropriately, typically lying on their stomach, to allow access to the sacral region. Fluoroscopic imaging is employed to visualize the anatomy and guide the procedure accurately.
  • Step 2: Needle Insertion One or more trocar needles are inserted into the sacrum, either on the right or left side, depending on the location of the fracture. If a single needle is utilized, it is positioned midway between the sacroiliac joint and the sacral foramen to access the marrow cavity effectively.
  • Step 3: Injection of PMMA Once the needle is correctly positioned, a mixture of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) and sterile barium is prepared. This mixture is injected into the marrow space through the indwelling needle, where it fills the cavity, providing structural support to the fractured bone.
  • Step 4: Visualization and Confirmation The injection of the PMMA solution is monitored via fluoroscopy to ensure proper placement and adequate filling of the marrow space, confirming that the material is correctly positioned to stabilize the fracture.
  • Step 5: Bilateral Injection (if necessary) For cases requiring bilateral treatment, the procedure is repeated on the opposite side using two or more needles to ensure comprehensive stabilization of the sacrum.
  • Step 6: Bone Biopsy (if performed) During the augmentation procedure, a bone biopsy may be conducted to obtain samples for further diagnostic evaluation, enhancing the understanding of the underlying bone pathology.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the percutaneous sacroplasty, patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications. Post-procedure care may include pain management strategies and instructions for activity modification to promote healing. Patients are often advised to avoid strenuous activities for a specified period to allow the injected material to stabilize the fracture adequately. Follow-up appointments may be scheduled to assess recovery and the effectiveness of the procedure, ensuring that any ongoing issues are addressed promptly.

Short Descr PERQ SACRAL AUGMT BILAT INJ
Medium Descr PERQ SAC AGMNTJ BI W/WO BALO/MCHNL DEV 2/> NDLS
Long Descr Percutaneous sacral augmentation (sacroplasty), bilateral injections, including the use of a balloon or mechanical device, when used, 2 or more needles, includes imaging guidance and bone biopsy, when performed
Status Code Carriers Price the Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 2 - 150% payment adjustment does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
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) P6A - Minor procedures - skin
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 148 - Other fracture and dislocation procedure
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.
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.)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
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
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
Q0 Investigational clinical service provided in a clinical research study that is in an approved clinical research study
X4 Episodic/focused services: for reporting services by clinicians who provide focused care on particular types of treatment limited to a defined period and circumstance; the patient has a problem, acute or chronic, that will be treated with surgery, radiation, or some other type of generally time-limited intervention; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the orthopedic surgeon performing a knee replacement and seeing the patient through the postoperative period
X5 Diagnostic services requested by another clinician: for reporting services by a clinician who furnishes care to the patient only as requested by another clinician or subsequent and related services requested by another clinician; this modifier is reported for patient relationships that may not be adequately captured by the above alternative categories; reporting clinician service examples include but are not limited to, the radiologist's interpretation of an imaging study requested by another clinician
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
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2017-01-01 Changed Moderate (Conscious) Sedation flag removed. See new Moderate Sedation category.
2015-01-01 Changed Description Changed
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
2010-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2010.
2009-07-01 Added -
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