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CPT®
21495

CPT® Code 21495
Deleted

Code deleted, see 31584.

Official Description

Open treatment of hyoid fracture

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 21495 refers to the open treatment of a hyoid fracture, which involves a surgical intervention to address a break in the hyoid bone located in the neck. The hyoid bone is a U-shaped bone situated at the base of the tongue, playing a crucial role in the structure of the neck and the function of swallowing and speech. In this procedure, the physician makes a surgical incision in the neck directly over the site of the fractured hyoid bone. This approach allows for direct access to the fracture site, enabling the physician to isolate the bone effectively. Once the fracture is identified, the physician carefully reduces the fracture, which means aligning the broken pieces of the bone to promote proper healing. In some cases, internal fixation devices, such as plates or screws, may be utilized to stabilize the fracture and ensure that the bone remains in the correct position during the healing process. After the fracture has been treated, the physician will close all incisions, completing the surgical procedure. This intervention is typically indicated in cases where the fracture is significant enough to require surgical correction rather than conservative management.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The open treatment of a hyoid fracture, as described by CPT® Code 21495, is indicated in specific clinical scenarios where the integrity of the hyoid bone is compromised. The following conditions may warrant this surgical intervention:

  • Fractured Hyoid Bone A clear diagnosis of a fracture in the hyoid bone, which may result from trauma or injury, necessitating surgical repair to restore function and stability.
  • Significant Displacement Cases where the fracture fragments are significantly displaced, making non-surgical management inadequate for proper healing and function.
  • Associated Soft Tissue Injury Instances where there is associated soft tissue damage that may complicate healing and require surgical intervention to address both the fracture and the surrounding structures.

2. Procedure

The open treatment of a hyoid fracture involves several critical procedural steps that ensure effective management of the injury. The following outlines the key steps involved in this surgical procedure:

  • Step 1: Incision The procedure begins with the physician making a precise incision in the neck over the fractured hyoid bone. This incision is strategically placed to provide optimal access to the fracture site while minimizing damage to surrounding tissues.
  • Step 2: Isolation of the Bone Once the incision is made, the physician carefully dissects through the layers of tissue to isolate the hyoid bone. This step is crucial as it allows for direct visualization and access to the fracture, facilitating the subsequent steps of the procedure.
  • Step 3: Fracture Reduction After isolating the hyoid bone, the physician proceeds to reduce the fracture. This involves aligning the fractured bone fragments to their normal anatomical position, which is essential for proper healing and restoration of function.
  • Step 4: Internal Fixation (if necessary) In cases where the fracture is unstable or significantly displaced, the physician may employ internal fixation devices, such as plates or screws, to secure the bone fragments in place. This stabilization is vital for ensuring that the fracture heals correctly and maintains its alignment during the recovery process.
  • Step 5: Closure of Incisions Once the fracture has been adequately treated, the final step involves closing all incisions. The physician meticulously sutures the layers of tissue to promote healing and minimize scarring.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the open treatment of a hyoid fracture, patients can expect specific post-procedure care and considerations. It is essential to monitor the surgical site for any signs of infection or complications. Patients may be advised to follow a soft diet to minimize strain on the neck and throat during the initial recovery phase. Pain management strategies will be implemented to ensure comfort, and follow-up appointments will be scheduled to assess healing and the need for any further interventions. The expected recovery time may vary depending on the severity of the fracture and the individual patient's healing process, but adherence to post-operative instructions is crucial for optimal recovery.
Short Descr TREAT HYOID BONE FRACTURE
Medium Descr OPEN TREATMENT HYOID FRACTURE
Long Descr Open treatment of hyoid fracture
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 9 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 2 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery does not apply 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
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P5B - Ambulatory procedures - musculoskeletal
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 144 - Treatment, facial fracture or dislocation
Date
Action
Notes
2016-12-31 Deleted Code deleted, see 31584.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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