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Official Description

Open treatment and/or reduction of vertebral fracture(s) and/or dislocation(s), posterior approach, 1 fractured vertebra or dislocated segment; lumbar

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 22325 involves the open treatment and/or reduction of vertebral fractures and/or dislocations specifically in the lumbar region of the spine. This surgical intervention is performed through a posterior approach, meaning the incision is made on the back of the patient. The patient is positioned in a prone manner, allowing the surgeon direct access to the affected vertebra or dislocated segment. During the procedure, the surgeon creates an incision over the targeted area, which is essential for visualizing and addressing the fracture or dislocation. To stabilize the vertebra, a rod is utilized, which helps maintain proper alignment and support during the healing process. In some cases, spinal fusion may be necessary to ensure long-term stability of the vertebrae. This fusion can be achieved through grafting techniques, which are reported separately, or through internal fixation methods. After the necessary corrections and stabilization are completed, the incision is meticulously closed to promote healing. It is important to note that this code is specifically designated for lumbar procedures, while similar codes exist for cervical and thoracic sites, as well as for additional vertebrae or segments that may be involved in the procedure.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 22325 is indicated for the treatment of specific conditions related to vertebral fractures and dislocations in the lumbar region. These indications may include:

  • Fractured Vertebra: A break in the vertebra that may result from trauma, osteoporosis, or other underlying conditions.
  • Dislocated Segment: A misalignment of the vertebra that can lead to pain, nerve compression, or instability in the spine.
  • Severe Back Pain: Pain that may be associated with vertebral fractures or dislocations, impacting the patient's quality of life and functional abilities.
  • Neurological Symptoms: Symptoms such as numbness, weakness, or tingling in the legs, which may indicate nerve involvement due to vertebral injury.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 22325 involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment of the lumbar vertebral fracture or dislocation. The steps are as follows:

  • Step 1: Patient Positioning The patient is placed in a prone position on the operating table. This positioning is crucial as it provides the surgeon with optimal access to the lumbar spine for the procedure.
  • Step 2: Incision Creation The surgeon makes an incision over the fractured or dislocated vertebra. This incision allows for direct visualization and access to the affected area, which is essential for effective treatment.
  • Step 3: Stabilization Once the area is accessed, the surgeon uses a rod to stabilize the fractured vertebra or dislocated segment. This stabilization is vital for maintaining proper alignment during the healing process.
  • Step 4: Fusion (if necessary) In cases where spinal fusion is required, the surgeon may perform grafting or utilize internal fixation methods. This step is critical for ensuring long-term stability of the vertebrae and may be reported separately.
  • Step 5: Incision Closure After the necessary corrections and stabilization are completed, the surgeon carefully closes the incision to promote healing and minimize the risk of infection.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the open treatment of lumbar vertebral fractures or dislocations is essential for recovery. Patients may be monitored for any signs of complications, such as infection or neurological deficits. Pain management strategies will be implemented to ensure patient comfort. Rehabilitation may be recommended to restore mobility and strength in the affected area. The expected recovery time can vary based on the extent of the injury and the specific surgical interventions performed. Follow-up appointments will be necessary to assess healing and determine if additional treatments, such as physical therapy, are required.

Short Descr TREAT SPINE FRACTURE
Medium Descr OPTX&/RDCTJ VRT FX&/DISLC PST 1 VRT SGM LM
Long Descr Open treatment and/or reduction of vertebral fracture(s) and/or dislocation(s), posterior approach, 1 fractured vertebra or dislocated segment; 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 148 - Other fracture and dislocation procedure

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

22328 Addon Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC C CPT Assistant Article Illustration for Code Open treatment and/or reduction of vertebral fracture(s) and/or dislocation(s), posterior approach, 1 fractured vertebra or dislocated segment; each additional fractured vertebra or dislocated 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)
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).
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
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.
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).
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
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.
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.
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.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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).
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
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
ET Emergency services
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
Q6 Service furnished under a fee-for-time compensation arrangement by a substitute physician or by a substitute physical therapist furnishing outpatient physical therapy services in a health professional shortage area, a medically underserved area, or a rural area
XE Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter
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
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Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
2010-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
2008-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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