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Official Description

Capsulorrhaphy, glenohumeral joint, any type multidirectional instability

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 23466 refers to capsulorrhaphy of the glenohumeral joint, specifically addressing multidirectional instability. This surgical intervention involves the suturing of the joint capsule, which is a fibrous tissue structure that surrounds the shoulder joint, to stabilize the joint and restore its normal function. Multidirectional instability of the shoulder can occur due to various factors, including trauma, repetitive overhead activities, or inherent laxity of the joint structures. The goal of this procedure is to reinforce the shoulder joint capsule, thereby reducing the risk of dislocation and improving the overall stability of the shoulder. By addressing the instability, the physician aims to alleviate pain and enhance the patient's range of motion and functional capabilities in daily activities and sports. This procedure is typically performed under anesthesia and may involve various surgical techniques depending on the specific needs of the patient and the extent of the instability being treated.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure of capsulorrhaphy, as indicated by CPT® Code 23466, is performed for patients experiencing multidirectional instability of the glenohumeral joint. This condition may manifest through various symptoms and clinical presentations, which can include:

  • Shoulder Pain: Patients may report persistent pain in the shoulder, particularly during movement or after physical activity.
  • Joint Laxity: A feeling of looseness or instability in the shoulder joint, often described as the shoulder "giving way."
  • Recurrent Dislocations: Individuals may experience repeated episodes of shoulder dislocation, which can lead to further damage to the joint structures.
  • Limited Range of Motion: Patients may have difficulty moving the shoulder through its full range of motion due to pain or instability.

2. Procedure

The capsulorrhaphy procedure involves several key steps to effectively address the instability of the glenohumeral joint. These steps include:

  • Step 1: The patient is positioned appropriately, typically in a supine position, to allow optimal access to the shoulder joint. Anesthesia is administered to ensure the patient is comfortable and pain-free during the procedure.
  • Step 2: An incision is made in the skin over the shoulder joint to access the underlying structures. The surgeon carefully dissects through the layers of tissue to reach the joint capsule.
  • Step 3: Once the joint capsule is exposed, the surgeon assesses the extent of the instability and any associated damage. The capsule is then sutured to tighten and reinforce the joint, effectively stabilizing it.
  • Step 4: After the suturing is completed, the surgeon ensures that the joint is stable and that the range of motion is adequate. The incision is then closed in layers, and sterile dressings are applied.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the capsulorrhaphy procedure, patients typically undergo a recovery period that may involve immobilization of the shoulder in a sling to promote healing and prevent movement that could compromise the surgical repair. Physical therapy is often initiated after a period of rest to gradually restore strength and range of motion. Patients are advised on activity modifications and may need to avoid certain movements for a specified duration to ensure optimal recovery. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor the healing process and assess the stability of the shoulder joint.

Short Descr REPAIR SHOULDER CAPSULE
Medium Descr CAPSULORRHAPHY GLENOHUMRL JT MULTI-DIRIONAL INS
Long Descr Capsulorrhaphy, glenohumeral joint, any type multidirectional instability
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) 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 Hospital Part B services paid through a comprehensive APC
ASC Payment Indicator Surgical procedure on ASC list in CY 2007; payment based on OPPS relative payment weight.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 162 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on joints
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
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).
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.
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).
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
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2021-01-01 Changed Grammar change
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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