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Official Description

Removal of prosthesis, includes debridement and synovectomy when performed; humeral and glenoid components (eg, total shoulder)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 23335 involves the surgical removal of a total shoulder prosthesis, which includes both the humeral and glenoid components. This procedure is typically indicated when there are complications related to the prosthesis, such as infection, mechanical failure, or other issues that necessitate its removal. The operation begins with a skin incision made over the shoulder joint, allowing access to the underlying structures. Surgeons carefully dissect through the soft tissues to expose the joint capsule, which is then opened to facilitate the removal of the prosthetic components. During the procedure, the humeral head or the entire prosthesis is dislocated to allow for a thorough inspection of the shoulder joint structures. If a hemiprosthesis was previously placed, as indicated by CPT® Code 23334, the removal process involves carefully detaching the component from either the humerus or the glenoid cavity, along with the removal of any bone cement securing the prosthesis. After the components are removed, the bony surfaces are smoothed to prepare for potential future interventions. In cases where a new prosthesis is to be placed, this would be reported as a separate procedure. Alternatively, if the removal is due to an infection, a drain may be inserted, and the soft tissues are closed around it to facilitate healing and prevent further complications.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 23335 is indicated for the removal of a total shoulder prosthesis due to various complications. These may include:

  • Infection - The presence of an infection in the shoulder joint can necessitate the removal of the prosthesis to prevent further complications.
  • Mechanical Failure - Issues such as loosening or breakage of the prosthetic components may require surgical intervention to remove the faulty device.
  • Joint Pain - Persistent pain that does not respond to conservative treatments may lead to the decision to remove the prosthesis.
  • Instability - If the shoulder joint becomes unstable due to the prosthesis, removal may be necessary to restore function.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the removal of a total shoulder prosthesis involves several critical steps:

  • Step 1: Incision A skin incision is made over the shoulder joint to provide access to the underlying structures. This incision is strategically placed to minimize damage to surrounding tissues.
  • Step 2: Dissection The surgeon carefully dissects through the soft tissues, including muscles and ligaments, to expose the joint capsule. This step is crucial for gaining access to the prosthetic components.
  • Step 3: Joint Exposure Once the joint capsule is exposed, it is opened to allow for direct visualization of the shoulder joint structures. This is essential for assessing the condition of the prosthesis and surrounding tissues.
  • Step 4: Dislocation of the Prosthesis The humeral head or the entire prosthesis is dislocated from its position. This maneuver allows the surgeon to inspect the joint thoroughly and determine the best approach for removal.
  • Step 5: Removal of Components The humeral and glenoid components of the total shoulder prosthesis are carefully removed. If bone cement was used to secure the prosthesis, it is also removed during this step.
  • Step 6: Smoothing of Bony Surfaces After the prosthetic components are removed, the bony surfaces are smoothed to prepare for any potential future interventions, such as the placement of a new prosthesis.
  • Step 7: Closure If a new prosthesis is to be placed, this will be done in a separately reportable procedure. In cases of infection, a drain may be placed, and the soft tissues are closed around the drain to facilitate healing.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the removal of a total shoulder prosthesis includes monitoring for signs of infection, managing pain, and ensuring proper healing of the surgical site. Patients may require physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the shoulder joint. If a drain was placed, it will need to be monitored and managed appropriately to prevent complications. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the recovery process and determine if further interventions, such as the placement of a new prosthesis, are necessary.

Short Descr SHOULDER PROSTHESIS REMOVAL
Medium Descr PROSTHESIS REMOVAL HUMERAL AND GLENOID COMPONENT
Long Descr Removal of prosthesis, includes debridement and synovectomy when performed; humeral and glenoid components (eg, total shoulder)
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) 1 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures applies.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies 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

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

20700 Add-on Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N ASC N1 Manual preparation and insertion of drug-delivery device(s), deep (eg, subfascial) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
20704 Add-on Code MPFS Status: Active Code APC N Manual preparation and insertion of drug-delivery device(s), intra-articular (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
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).
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.
74 Discontinued out-patient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) procedure after administration of anesthesia: due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, the physician may terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure after the administration of anesthesia (local, regional block(s), general) or after the procedure was started (incision made, intubation started, scope inserted, etc). under these circumstances, the procedure started but terminated can be reported by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 74. note: the elective cancellation of a service prior to the administration of anesthesia and/or surgical preparation of the patient should not be reported. for physician reporting of a discontinued procedure, see modifier 53.
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).
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
GX Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
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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2014-01-01 Added Added
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