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Official Description

Osteotomy of spine, posterior or posterolateral approach, 3 columns, 1 vertebral segment (eg, pedicle/vertebral body subtraction); lumbar

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A three-column osteotomy of the spine, commonly known as a pedicle subtraction osteotomy, is a surgical procedure performed on a single vertebral segment in the lumbar region using a posterior or posterolateral approach. The spine is anatomically divided into three columns: the anterior column, which consists of the vertebral body; the middle column, made up of two robust pedicles that encase the vertebral foramen through which the spinal cord traverses; and the posterior column, which includes the lamina, two transverse processes, and the spinous process. This type of osteotomy is typically indicated for addressing complex spinal deformities, particularly in the thoracic and lumbar regions, where it is essential to manipulate all three columns to achieve proper alignment and stability. The procedure involves making an incision in the skin over the affected vertebral segment, followed by careful dissection of the surrounding tissues to access the spine. The surgical technique requires precision to ensure that critical structures, such as the pedicles, are preserved while resecting the necessary components to correct the deformity. Intraoperative imaging is utilized to assess the correction of the deformity, ensuring that the surgical goals are met effectively.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The three-column osteotomy of the spine is indicated for various conditions that necessitate significant correction of spinal deformities. These may include:

  • Complex Spinal Deformities Conditions such as scoliosis or kyphosis that require surgical intervention to restore proper spinal alignment.
  • Vertebral Fractures Fractures that result in deformity or instability of the spine, particularly in the lumbar region.
  • Degenerative Disc Disease Severe degeneration that leads to significant spinal deformity and associated symptoms.

2. Procedure

The procedure for a three-column osteotomy of the spine involves several critical steps, each designed to ensure effective correction of the deformity while preserving vital spinal structures.

  • Step 1: Incision An incision is made in the skin of the back, either directly over the deformed vertebral segment or slightly to the side, to provide access to the spine.
  • Step 2: Dissection The fascia is incised, and a subperiosteal dissection is performed along the spinal process, lamina, both transverse processes, and rib head of the targeted vertebral segment.
  • Step 3: Resection of the Posterior Segment The posterior segment of the vertebra is resected, ensuring the preservation of the pedicles. This includes performing a laminectomy to excise the lamina, a facetectomy to remove the facets bilaterally, and resection of the ribs on both sides.
  • Step 4: Creation of Cavity A cavity is created beneath the pedicles, which are then resected to facilitate the osteotomy.
  • Step 5: Wedge Resection A wedge resection of the vertebral body is performed, utilizing a curette to thin the posterior vertebral wall until it is extremely thin.
  • Step 6: Resection of Lateral Portions The lateral portions of the vertebra are resected, and a reverse angled curette is employed to greenstick the posterior cortex of the vertebral body.
  • Step 7: Final Resection The lateral vertebral body wall is resected at the level of the pedicles, completing the osteotomy.
  • Step 8: Closure The osteotomy site is closed, ensuring that all three columns are positioned bone-on-bone to promote stability and healing.
  • Step 9: Intraoperative Imaging Throughout the procedure, intraoperative imaging is utilized to evaluate the correction of the deformity, ensuring that the surgical objectives are achieved.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care for a three-column osteotomy of the spine typically involves monitoring for complications, managing pain, and facilitating recovery. Patients may require a period of immobilization to allow for proper healing of the surgical site. Physical therapy may be initiated to aid in regaining strength and mobility. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the healing process and ensure that the spinal alignment is maintained. Additional imaging may be performed to confirm the success of the procedure and to monitor for any potential complications.

Short Descr INCIS SPINE 3 COLUMN LUMBAR
Medium Descr OSTEOTOMY SPINE POSTERIOR 3 COLUMN LUMBAR
Long Descr Osteotomy of spine, posterior or posterolateral approach, 3 columns, 1 vertebral segment (eg, pedicle/vertebral body subtraction); lumbar
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 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 142 - Partial excision bone

This is a primary code that can be used with these additional add-on codes.

22208 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Osteotomy of spine, posterior or posterolateral approach, 3 columns, 1 vertebral segment (eg, pedicle/vertebral body subtraction); each additional vertebral segment (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22840 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Posterior non-segmental instrumentation (eg, Harrington rod technique, pedicle fixation across 1 interspace, atlantoaxial transarticular screw fixation, sublaminar wiring at C1, facet screw fixation) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22841 Addon Code MPFS Status: Bundled Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Internal spinal fixation by wiring of spinous processes (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22842 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Posterior segmental instrumentation (eg, pedicle fixation, dual rods with multiple hooks and sublaminar wires); 3 to 6 vertebral segments (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22843 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Posterior segmental instrumentation (eg, pedicle fixation, dual rods with multiple hooks and sublaminar wires); 7 to 12 vertebral segments (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22844 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Posterior segmental instrumentation (eg, pedicle fixation, dual rods with multiple hooks and sublaminar wires); 13 or more vertebral segments (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22845 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Anterior instrumentation; 2 to 3 vertebral segments (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22846 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Anterior instrumentation; 4 to 7 vertebral segments (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22847 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Anterior instrumentation; 8 or more vertebral segments (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22848 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Physician Quality Reporting CPT Assistant Article Pelvic fixation (attachment of caudal end of instrumentation to pelvic bony structures) other than sacrum (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22853 CPT Add On MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Insertion of interbody biomechanical device(s) (eg, synthetic cage, mesh) with integral anterior instrumentation for device anchoring (eg, screws, flanges), when performed, to intervertebral disc space in conjunction with interbody arthrodesis, each interspace (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22854 CPT Add On MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Insertion of intervertebral biomechanical device(s) (eg, synthetic cage, mesh) with integral anterior instrumentation for device anchoring (eg, screws, flanges), when performed, to vertebral corpectomy(ies) (vertebral body resection, partial or complete) defect, in conjunction with interbody arthrodesis, each contiguous defect (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
22859 CPT Add On CPT Resequenced MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Insertion of intervertebral biomechanical device(s) (eg, synthetic cage, mesh, methylmethacrylate) to intervertebral disc space or vertebral body defect without interbody arthrodesis, each contiguous defect (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
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.
58 Staged or related procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: it may be necessary to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was: (a) planned or anticipated (staged); (b) more extensive than the original procedure; or (c) for therapy following a surgical procedure. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 58 to the staged or related procedure. note: for treatment of a problem that requires a return to the operating/procedure room (eg, unanticipated clinical condition), see modifier 78.
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.
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.
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).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
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.)
79 Unrelated procedure or service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional during the postoperative period: the individual may need to indicate that the performance of a procedure or service during the postoperative period was unrelated to the original procedure. this circumstance may be reported by using modifier 79. (for repeat procedures on the same day, see modifier 76.)
80 Assistant surgeon: surgical assistant services may be identified by adding modifier 80 to the usual procedure number(s).
82 Assistant surgeon (when qualified resident surgeon not available): the unavailability of a qualified resident surgeon is a prerequisite for use of modifier 82 appended to the usual procedure code number(s).
AG Primary physician
CC Procedure code change (use 'cc' when the procedure code submitted was changed either for administrative reasons or because an incorrect code was filed)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
XU Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Short Descriptor changed.
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
2010-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
2008-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2008.
1987-12-31 Deleted Code deleted.
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