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The procedure described by CPT® Code 21247 involves the reconstruction of the mandibular condyle using autografts of bone and cartilage. This surgical intervention is typically indicated for conditions such as hemifacial microsomia, where there is an underdevelopment of the facial structures, particularly affecting the jaw and its articulation with the skull. During the procedure, the surgeon harvests bone and cartilage grafts, often sourced from the patient's ribs, to ensure compatibility and reduce the risk of rejection. The surgical approach usually requires an incision made near or within the ear, allowing access to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ). Once the joint is accessed, it is carefully isolated and exposed to facilitate the insertion of the graft. The graft, which consists of both bone and cartilage, is strategically placed into the recipient site, with the cartilaginous portion serving to replace the condyle. To secure the graft in place, the surgeon employs fixation methods such as screws, wires, and metal plates, ensuring stability and proper alignment. Finally, the incisions made during the procedure are meticulously closed to promote healing and minimize scarring.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 21247 is indicated for specific conditions that affect the mandibular condyle and the temporomandibular joint. The following are the explicitly provided indications for this surgical intervention:
The reconstruction of the mandibular condyle using bone and cartilage autografts involves several critical procedural steps, each essential for the successful outcome of the surgery:
Post-procedure care following the reconstruction of the mandibular condyle is essential for recovery and includes monitoring for any signs of complications. Patients may experience swelling and discomfort in the surgical area, which can be managed with prescribed pain medications. Follow-up appointments are necessary to assess the healing process and the stability of the graft. Patients are typically advised to adhere to a soft diet initially to avoid placing undue stress on the jaw. Additionally, physical therapy may be recommended to restore function and mobility to the jaw as healing progresses. It is important for patients to follow their surgeon's specific post-operative instructions to ensure a successful recovery.
| Short Descr | RECONSTRUCT LOWER JAW BONE | Medium Descr | RCNSTJ MNDBLR CONDYLE W/BONE CARTLG AUTOGRAFTS | Long Descr | Reconstruction of mandibular condyle with bone and cartilage autografts (includes obtaining grafts) (eg, for hemifacial microsomia) | 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 | Inpatient Procedures, not paid under OPPS | 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 |
| 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). | 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) |
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| 1991-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1991. |
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