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The procedure described by CPT® Code 21050 refers to a condylectomy of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), which is classified as a separate procedure. A condylectomy involves the surgical excision of the condyle, which is the rounded end of the mandible that articulates with the temporal bone of the skull at the TMJ. This joint is crucial for various functions, including chewing and speaking. The surgery typically requires the physician to make an incision near the ear to access the joint effectively. During the procedure, the physician may remove all or part of the mandibular condyle, depending on the specific clinical situation. Following the excision, there may be options for reconstructing the joint area or inserting a prosthetic condyle to restore function. The incision made during the procedure is usually closed with layered sutures to promote proper healing and minimize scarring.
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The condylectomy procedure is indicated for various conditions affecting the temporomandibular joint and the mandibular condyle. These indications may include:
The condylectomy procedure involves several critical steps to ensure effective excision of the mandibular condyle. The following outlines the procedural steps:
Post-procedure care following a condylectomy is essential for ensuring proper recovery. Patients are typically monitored for any immediate complications, and pain management strategies are implemented as needed. Instructions for care at home may include recommendations for dietary modifications, such as a soft food diet, to minimize strain on the healing joint. Patients may also be advised to apply ice to the surgical area to reduce swelling and discomfort. Follow-up appointments are crucial to assess healing, manage any ongoing symptoms, and determine if further interventions, such as physical therapy, are necessary to restore full function to the temporomandibular joint.
| Short Descr | REMOVAL OF JAW JOINT | Medium Descr | CONDYLECTOMY TEMPOROMANDIBULAR JOINT SPX | Long Descr | Condylectomy, temporomandibular joint (separate procedure) | 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) | 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 | Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P5B - Ambulatory procedures - musculoskeletal | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 142 - Partial excision bone |
| 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. | 50 | Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. note: this modifier should not be appended to designated "add-on" codes (see appendix d). | 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. | 80 | Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s). | 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) | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service |
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| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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