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The CPT® Code 21450 refers to the closed treatment of a mandibular fracture without manipulation. This procedure is specifically indicated for cases where the fracture of the mandible is nondisplaced, meaning that the bone fragments remain in their normal anatomical position and do not require any surgical intervention to realign them. During this treatment, radiographs, or X-rays, are obtained to confirm the presence of the fracture. The absence of manipulation indicates that the fracture fragments do not need to be physically adjusted or repositioned, which simplifies the treatment process. Additionally, there is no requirement for fixation of the fragments, which further distinguishes this procedure from more complex treatments that may involve surgical intervention or the use of hardware to stabilize the fracture. Local anesthesia may be administered as necessary to ensure patient comfort during the procedure, although the treatment itself is non-invasive and does not involve any invasive techniques or extensive recovery protocols.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The closed treatment of a mandibular fracture without manipulation, as described by CPT® Code 21450, is indicated for specific conditions related to the mandible. The primary indication is the presence of a nondisplaced fracture of the mandible, which is characterized by the bone fragments remaining in their normal anatomical alignment. This procedure is appropriate when the fracture does not require any form of manipulation or surgical intervention to correct the alignment of the bone. The use of radiographs is essential to confirm the diagnosis of the fracture prior to proceeding with treatment.
The closed treatment of a mandibular fracture without manipulation involves several key procedural steps that ensure the proper management of the injury. First, the healthcare provider will obtain radiographs to confirm the diagnosis of a mandibular fracture. This imaging is crucial for visualizing the fracture and determining the appropriate course of action. Once the fracture is confirmed, the provider will assess the fracture site to ensure that it is indeed nondisplaced. Since no manipulation is required, the provider will not need to physically adjust the position of the fracture fragments. Instead, the focus will be on monitoring the fracture and providing supportive care. Local anesthesia may be administered to enhance patient comfort during the examination and treatment process. Throughout the procedure, the provider will ensure that no fixation of the fragments is necessary, as the nondisplaced nature of the fracture allows for natural healing without surgical intervention.
After the closed treatment of a mandibular fracture without manipulation, the patient will typically be monitored for any signs of complications or changes in the fracture alignment. Since the procedure is non-invasive, recovery is generally straightforward, and patients can expect to follow up with their healthcare provider to assess the healing process. Instructions may be provided regarding dietary modifications, pain management, and activity restrictions to promote optimal healing. It is important for patients to adhere to follow-up appointments to ensure that the fracture is healing properly and to address any concerns that may arise during the recovery period.
| Short Descr | CLTX MNDBLR FX W/O MNPJ | Medium Descr | CLOSED TX MANDIBULAR FRACTURE W/O MANIPULATION | Long Descr | Closed treatment of mandibular fracture; without manipulation | 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 | Procedure or Service, Multiple Reduction Applies | 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) | P5B - Ambulatory procedures - musculoskeletal | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 144 - Treatment, facial fracture or dislocation |
| 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. | 78 | Unplanned return to the operating/procedure room by the same physician or other qualified health care professional following initial procedure for a related procedure during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that another procedure was performed during the postoperative period of the initial procedure (unplanned procedure following initial procedure). when this procedure is related to the first, and requires the use of an operating/procedure room, it may be reported by adding modifier 78 to the related procedure. (for repeat procedures, see modifier 76.) | 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 | 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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| 2025-01-01 | Changed | Short Description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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