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Official Description

Open treatment and/or reduction of odontoid fracture(s) and or dislocation(s) (including os odontoideum), anterior approach, including placement of internal fixation; with grafting

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 22319 refers to the open treatment and/or reduction of odontoid fractures and/or dislocations, which may include the os odontoideum, through an anterior approach. This procedure involves the use of internal fixation to stabilize the fracture or dislocation. The odontoid process, which is a tooth-like projection from the axis (the second cervical vertebra), is critical for the stability and function of the cervical spine. During the procedure, the patient is positioned supine, allowing the surgeon to access the cervical spine effectively. An incision is made through the muscle layers while carefully avoiding critical structures such as the carotid artery, trachea, and esophagus. The surrounding soft tissues are retracted to provide a clear view of the surgical site, and any necessary vessels may be ligated to control bleeding. Guide wires are utilized to stabilize the fracture or dislocation, ensuring proper alignment. If bone grafting is required to promote healing and stability, this code is applicable. In contrast, if no grafting is necessary, the appropriate code would be 22318. Additionally, a drain may be placed to prevent fluid accumulation, and the surgical incisions are subsequently closed to complete the procedure.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure coded as CPT® 22319 is indicated for the treatment of specific conditions related to the odontoid process. These include:

  • Odontoid Fractures Fractures of the odontoid process, which can compromise the stability of the cervical spine and may lead to neurological deficits if not treated appropriately.
  • Odontoid Dislocations Dislocations of the odontoid process that can result from trauma, necessitating surgical intervention to restore proper alignment and function.
  • Os Odontoideum A congenital or acquired condition characterized by the absence of the odontoid process, which may require surgical fixation to stabilize the cervical spine.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® 22319 involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment of the odontoid fracture or dislocation:

  • Step 1: Patient Positioning The patient is placed in a supine position on the operating table, allowing optimal access to the cervical spine for the surgeon.
  • Step 2: Incision A surgical incision is made through the muscle layers of the neck, taking care to avoid vital structures such as the carotid artery, trachea, and esophagus. This incision provides access to the anterior aspect of the cervical spine.
  • Step 3: Soft Tissue Retraction The surrounding soft tissues are carefully retracted to expose the odontoid process and the fracture or dislocation site. This step is crucial for visualizing the area and performing the necessary surgical maneuvers.
  • Step 4: Vessel Ligation Any bleeding vessels encountered during the procedure may be ligated to control hemorrhage and maintain a clear surgical field.
  • Step 5: Stabilization Guide wires are utilized to stabilize the fracture or dislocation, ensuring proper alignment of the odontoid process during the fixation process.
  • Step 6: Bone Grafting If necessary, bone grafting is performed to promote healing and stability of the odontoid process. This step is essential for patients requiring additional support for recovery.
  • Step 7: Drain Placement A drain may be inserted to prevent fluid accumulation at the surgical site, which can help reduce the risk of complications.
  • Step 8: Closure Finally, all incisions are meticulously closed to ensure proper healing and minimize scarring.

3. Post-Procedure

After the completion of the procedure coded as CPT® 22319, the patient will typically be monitored for any immediate complications. Post-operative care may include pain management, monitoring for signs of infection, and ensuring proper wound healing. The patient may be advised on activity restrictions to promote recovery and prevent stress on the surgical site. Follow-up appointments will be necessary to assess healing and determine when it is safe to resume normal activities, including physical therapy if indicated. The overall recovery process will depend on the individual patient's condition and the extent of the surgical intervention performed.

Short Descr TREAT ODONTOID FX W/GRAFT
Medium Descr OPTX&/RDCTJ ODNTD FX&/DISLC ANT W/INT FIXJ
Long Descr Open treatment and/or reduction of odontoid fracture(s) and or dislocation(s) (including os odontoideum), anterior approach, including placement of internal fixation; with grafting
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) 2 - Co-surgeons permitted and no documentation required if the two- specialty requirement is met.
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) P6B - Minor procedures - musculoskeletal
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 148 - Other fracture and dislocation procedure

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

20930 Addon Code MPFS Status: Bundled Code APC N ASC N1 CPT Assistant Article Allograft, morselized, or placement of osteopromotive material, for spine surgery only (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
20931 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 CPT Assistant Article Allograft, structural, for spine surgery only (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
20936 Addon Code MPFS Status: Bundled Code APC N ASC N1 CPT Assistant Article Autograft for spine surgery only (includes harvesting the graft); local (eg, ribs, spinous process, or laminar fragments) obtained from same incision (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
20937 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 CPT Assistant Article Autograft for spine surgery only (includes harvesting the graft); morselized (through separate skin or fascial incision) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
20938 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 CPT Assistant Article Autograft for spine surgery only (includes harvesting the graft); structural, bicortical or tricortical (through separate skin or fascial incision) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
20939 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Bone marrow aspiration for bone grafting, spine surgery only, through separate skin or fascial incision (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)
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).
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.
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
Date
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
2000-01-01 Added First appearance in code book in 2000.
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