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The CPT® Code 21440 refers to the closed treatment of a fracture involving the mandibular or maxillary alveolar ridge, which is a bony ridge containing the sockets of the teeth. This procedure is classified as a separate procedure, indicating that it is performed independently and is not part of a more comprehensive surgical intervention. During this treatment, the physician employs manipulation techniques to realign the fractured bone segments, ensuring proper positioning for optimal healing. To stabilize the fracture, the physician may utilize arch bars and dental wire, which are common methods for securing the bone in place. Additionally, alternative stabilization techniques may be employed, such as dental bonding, intermaxillary fixation, or the creation of a custom acrylic splint, depending on the specific needs of the patient and the nature of the fracture. This closed treatment approach is essential for restoring function and aesthetics to the oral cavity while minimizing the need for more invasive surgical procedures.
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The closed treatment of mandibular or maxillary alveolar ridge fractures is indicated for patients who present with specific symptoms or conditions related to these types of fractures. The following are the explicitly provided indications for this procedure:
The closed treatment of a mandibular or maxillary alveolar ridge fracture involves several key procedural steps that ensure effective realignment and stabilization of the fractured area. The following steps outline the procedure:
Post-procedure care following the closed treatment of a mandibular or maxillary alveolar ridge fracture is essential for ensuring proper recovery and minimizing complications. Patients are typically advised to follow specific guidelines, which may include avoiding hard or chewy foods to prevent stress on the healing area. Pain management may be addressed with prescribed medications or over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. Regular follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor the healing process and to make any necessary adjustments to the stabilization devices. Patients should also be educated on signs of complications, such as increased pain, swelling, or signs of infection, and instructed to seek medical attention if these occur. Overall, adherence to post-procedure care is vital for achieving optimal outcomes and restoring function to the oral cavity.
| Short Descr | CLTX MNDBLR/MAX ALV RIDGE FX | Medium Descr | CLTX MANDIBULAR/MAXILLARY ALVEOLAR RIDGE FX SPX | Long Descr | Closed treatment of mandibular or maxillary alveolar ridge fracture (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) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures 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 | Office-based surgical procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later with MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs; payment based on MPFS nonfacility PE RVUs. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other | MUE | 2 | CCS Clinical Classification | 144 - Treatment, facial fracture or dislocation |
| 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). | 54 | Surgical care only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performs a surgical procedure and another provides preoperative and/or postoperative management, surgical services may be identified by adding modifier 54 to the usual procedure number. | 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. | 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 | GJ | "opt out" physician or practitioner emergency or urgent service | RT | Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body) | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
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| 2025-01-01 | Changed | Short Description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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