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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; each additional fractured vertebra or dislocated segment (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 22328 refers to the open treatment and/or reduction of vertebral fractures and/or dislocations through a posterior approach, specifically for one fractured vertebra or dislocated segment. This procedure is typically performed when a patient has sustained a significant injury to the spine, resulting in a fracture or dislocation that requires surgical intervention to restore stability and alignment. The process begins with the patient being positioned in a prone position, allowing the surgeon access to the affected area of the spine. An incision is made over the fractured or dislocated vertebra, enabling the physician to directly visualize and address the injury. Stabilization of the vertebra is achieved using a rod, which may be necessary to maintain proper alignment during the healing process. In some cases, fusion of the vertebra may be required, which can be accomplished through grafting techniques or internal fixation methods. It is important to note that the incision is subsequently closed after the procedure is completed. Additionally, this code is used to report each additional fractured vertebra or dislocated segment beyond the primary procedure, which is indicated by the use of other specific codes for lumbar, cervical, or thoracic procedures. This structured approach ensures that all aspects of the surgical intervention are accurately captured for coding and billing purposes.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure associated with CPT® Code 22328 is indicated for patients who have experienced vertebral fractures or dislocations that necessitate surgical intervention. The following conditions may warrant this procedure:

  • Fractured Vertebra: A break in the vertebral body that may result from trauma, osteoporosis, or other underlying conditions.
  • Dislocated Segment: A misalignment of the vertebrae that can occur due to injury or degenerative diseases, leading to instability in the spinal column.
  • Severe Back Pain: Persistent pain that may be associated with vertebral fractures or dislocations, indicating the need for surgical correction.
  • Neurological Symptoms: Symptoms such as numbness, weakness, or loss of function that may arise from nerve compression due to vertebral injury.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 22328 involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment of the fractured or dislocated vertebra. The following procedural steps are typically followed:

  • Step 1: Patient Positioning The patient is placed in a prone position on the operating table. This positioning is essential for providing the surgeon with optimal access to the posterior aspect of the spine where the injury is located.
  • Step 2: Incision The surgeon makes a precise incision over the site of the fractured or dislocated vertebra. This incision allows for direct visualization and access to the affected area, which is crucial for effective treatment.
  • Step 3: Stabilization Once the vertebra is exposed, the surgeon utilizes a rod to stabilize the area. This stabilization is vital for maintaining proper alignment of the vertebra during the healing process and preventing further injury.
  • Step 4: Fusion (if necessary) In cases where fusion is required, the surgeon may perform grafting or use internal fixation methods to promote healing and stability of the vertebra. This step is critical for ensuring long-term recovery and function.
  • Step 5: Closure After the necessary interventions have been completed, the incision is carefully closed. This step involves suturing the layers of tissue to promote healing and minimize scarring.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the open treatment and/or reduction of vertebral fractures or dislocations is essential for optimal recovery. Patients may be monitored for any complications, such as infection or excessive bleeding. Pain management strategies will be implemented to ensure patient comfort during the recovery phase. Physical therapy may be recommended to aid in rehabilitation and restore mobility. Follow-up appointments will be scheduled to assess the healing process and determine if additional interventions are necessary. It is important for patients to adhere to post-operative instructions provided by their healthcare team to facilitate a successful recovery.

Short Descr TREAT EACH ADD SPINE FX
Medium Descr OPTX&/RDCTJ VRT FX&/DISLC PST 1 VRT SGM EA
Long Descr 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)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No 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 6
CCS Clinical Classification 148 - Other fracture and dislocation procedure

This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.

22325 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting 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; lumbar
22326 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting 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; cervical
22327 MPFS Status: Active Code APC C Physician Quality Reporting 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; thoracic
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
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
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.
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.
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)
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
XP Separate practitioner, a service that is distinct because it was performed by a different practitioner
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 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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