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The procedure described by CPT® Code 23530 refers to the open treatment of an acute or chronic dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint (SCJ). The SCJ is a critical joint located at the junction of the clavicle and the sternum, allowing for a wide range of motion necessary for arm and shoulder movement. This joint is classified as a saddle-type joint, which provides the ability to move in multiple planes, particularly facilitating the forward thrust of the arm and shoulder. The stability of the SCJ is largely dependent on the integrity of its joint capsule and the surrounding ligaments. When a dislocation occurs, it can be either acute, resulting from a sudden injury, or chronic, developing over time due to repetitive stress or instability. The open treatment involves a surgical approach where a skin incision is made over the SCJ, allowing for the dissection of overlying soft tissue structures to expose the joint capsule. The dislocated joint is then reduced and stabilized using sutures, ensuring proper alignment and function. This procedure may involve drilling holes in both the clavicle and the manubrium to facilitate the secure placement of sutures, or alternatively, using suture material to wrap and secure the clavicle to the first rib. The goal of this surgical intervention is to restore the normal anatomy and function of the SCJ, thereby alleviating pain and improving mobility.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The open treatment of sternoclavicular dislocation, as described by CPT® Code 23530, is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for the open treatment of sternoclavicular dislocation involves several key steps:
Post-procedure care following the open treatment of sternoclavicular dislocation typically includes monitoring for any signs of complications, such as infection or improper healing. Patients may be advised to limit movement of the affected arm and shoulder to allow for adequate recovery. Physical therapy may be recommended to restore range of motion and strength as healing progresses. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the stability of the joint and ensure that the surgical intervention has been successful.
| Short Descr | OPTX STRNCLAV DISLC AQT/CHRN | Medium Descr | OPEN TX STERNOCLAVICULAR DISLC ACUTE/CHRONIC | Long Descr | Open treatment of sternoclavicular dislocation, acute or chronic; | 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) | 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure. | 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 | 148 - Other fracture and dislocation 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). | 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. | 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). | 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 | 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) |
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| 2023-01-01 | Note | Short description changed. |
| 2010-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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