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The sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) is a critical anatomical structure that functions as a saddle-type joint, allowing for a wide range of motion in the clavicle, which is essential for the movement of the arm and shoulder. This joint is formed by the articulation of the medial end of the clavicle with the manubrium, the upper part of the sternum. The stability and strength of the SCJ are largely dependent on the integrity of the surrounding joint capsule and the supporting ligaments. Dislocations of the SCJ can occur either acutely or chronically, necessitating surgical intervention to restore proper alignment and function. The open treatment of sternoclavicular dislocation, as described by CPT® Code 23532, involves the use of a fascial graft, which is a surgical technique that includes the harvesting of a graft and its application to stabilize the joint. This procedure is performed through a skin incision over the SCJ, allowing for the dissection of overlying soft tissue to expose the joint capsule. The surgical approach may involve various techniques for reducing the dislocation and securing the joint, ultimately aiming to restore normal function and range of motion in the shoulder and arm.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The open treatment of sternoclavicular dislocation, as indicated by CPT® Code 23532, is performed for the following conditions:
The procedure for the open treatment of sternoclavicular dislocation involves several detailed steps to ensure proper stabilization of the joint:
Post-procedure care following the open treatment of sternoclavicular dislocation includes monitoring for any signs of complications, such as infection or improper healing. Patients may be advised to limit movement of the shoulder and arm to allow for adequate recovery. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the stability of the joint and the success of the graft. Rehabilitation exercises may be introduced gradually to restore strength and range of motion as healing progresses.
| Short Descr | OPTX STRCLV DSLC AQ/CHRN GRF | Medium Descr | OPTX STRNCLAV DISLC ACUTE/CHRONIC W/FASCIAL GRF | Long Descr | Open treatment of sternoclavicular dislocation, acute or chronic; with fascial graft (includes obtaining graft) | 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). | 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. | 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. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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