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Official Description

Reconstruction midface, LeFort I; single piece, segment movement in any direction (eg, for Long Face Syndrome), without bone graft

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 21141 involves the surgical reconstruction of the midface using a technique known as LeFort I osteotomy. This specific procedure is performed as a single piece segment movement, which allows for the repositioning of the maxilla, or upper jaw, in any direction. It is particularly indicated for patients with congenital facial bone deformities, such as Long Face Syndrome, or for cosmetic enhancements. The LeFort I osteotomy focuses on the lower maxillary region, which is anatomically defined as the area below the infraorbital nerve and medial to the zygomatic-maxillary suture. During the procedure, the physician does not utilize bone grafts, which distinguishes it from other reconstructive techniques that may require additional bone material for support or structure. The surgical approach includes careful manipulation of the maxilla, ensuring that the integrity of surrounding tissues is maintained while achieving the desired aesthetic and functional outcomes.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The LeFort I osteotomy procedure, as described by CPT® Code 21141, is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Congenital Facial Bone Deformities - This procedure is often performed on patients with congenital conditions that affect the structure and appearance of the midface.
  • Long Face Syndrome - Specifically indicated for patients diagnosed with Long Face Syndrome, where the vertical dimension of the face is elongated, necessitating surgical intervention to correct the facial proportions.
  • Cosmetic Purposes - The procedure may also be performed for aesthetic reasons, to enhance facial symmetry and improve overall facial appearance.

2. Procedure

The surgical steps involved in the LeFort I osteotomy are as follows:

  • Step 1: Preparation and Anesthesia - The patient is prepared for surgery, and anesthesia is administered to ensure comfort throughout the procedure.
  • Step 2: Incision - An incision is made in the buccal sulcus, extending from the first molar on one side to the first molar on the opposite side, allowing access to the maxillary region.
  • Step 3: Mucosal Tunneling - The palatal mucosa is carefully tunneled to prevent tearing of the palatal tissues during the subsequent osteotomy.
  • Step 4: Exposure of the Nasal Cavity - The lateral aspect of the nasal cavity is exposed, and the nasal mucosa is elevated to facilitate access to the maxilla.
  • Step 5: Marking Bone Cuts - Using preoperative measurements, the physician marks the planned bone cuts on the maxilla to guide the osteotomy.
  • Step 6: Cutting the Maxilla - A bur is used to cut the lateral wall of one side of the maxilla, followed by the placement of a thin osteotome to apply gentle pressure and fracture the medial and posterior wall of the maxilla.
  • Step 7: Separation of the Pterygoid Plate - The pterygoid plate is separated from the maxilla using a pterygoid osteotome, ensuring careful handling of surrounding structures.
  • Step 8: Repetition on Opposite Side - The same steps are repeated on the opposite side of the maxilla to ensure symmetry and proper alignment.
  • Step 9: Separation of Nasal Structures - The nasal septum cartilage and vomer are separated from the maxilla using a septal gouge or osteotome, facilitating further mobilization of the maxilla.
  • Step 10: Downfracturing the Maxilla - The anterior nasal spine is fractured, and the maxilla is downfractured using thumb pressure, followed by mobilization with the pterygoid osteotome.
  • Step 11: Anterior Osteotomy - An anterior osteotomy is performed at the premolar region bilaterally, allowing for further adjustment of the maxilla.
  • Step 12: Trimming of Bone - The nasal septal cartilage, posterior wall, and palatal bone are trimmed to achieve the desired contour and positioning.
  • Step 13: Repositioning and Stabilization - The maxilla is repositioned to the desired location and stabilized with wires, ensuring that the new position is secure.
  • Step 14: Verification of Position - Measurements are checked to confirm that the maxilla has been repositioned correctly, and lip position and occlusion are assessed for functional alignment.
  • Step 15: Application of Intermaxillary Fixation - An intermaxillary fixation device is applied to maintain the new position of the maxilla during the healing process.
  • Step 16: Closure of Incision - Finally, the buccal incision is closed to complete the procedure.

3. Post-Procedure

After the LeFort I osteotomy, patients can expect a recovery period that may involve swelling, discomfort, and dietary modifications. Post-operative care typically includes pain management, monitoring for any complications, and follow-up appointments to assess healing and the positioning of the maxilla. Patients are advised to adhere to any specific instructions provided by the surgeon regarding activity restrictions and oral hygiene practices to ensure optimal recovery. The intermaxillary fixation device may remain in place for a specified duration, depending on the individual case and the surgeon's recommendations.

Short Descr LEFORT I-1 PIECE W/O GRAFT
Medium Descr RCNSTJ MIDFACE LEFORT I 1 PIECE W/O BONE GRAFT
Long Descr Reconstruction midface, LeFort I; single piece, segment movement in any direction (eg, for Long Face Syndrome), without bone graft
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) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
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
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 161 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on bone
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).
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.
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
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Short Descriptor changed.
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
1996-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 1996.
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