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Official Description

Open treatment of greater humeral tuberosity fracture, includes internal fixation, when performed

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

An open treatment of a greater humeral tuberosity fracture involves a surgical procedure aimed at correcting an isolated fracture of the greater tuberosity of the humerus, which is the bony prominence located at the upper end of the arm bone. This procedure includes the use of internal fixation techniques when necessary to stabilize the fracture. Isolated fractures of the greater tuberosity are uncommon and often occur alongside injuries to the rotator cuff, particularly tears between the supraspinatus and subscapularis tendons. The surgical approach taken during the procedure is determined by the specific characteristics of the fracture and the associated injuries. For smaller fractures, which may result from the avulsion of the supraspinatus tendon, a surgical approach from the anterosuperior aspect is typically utilized. In cases of larger fractures, an incision may be made over the anterior or anteroinferior shoulder to provide adequate access. The deltoid muscle, which covers the shoulder, is carefully split to expose the greater tuberosity and allow for proper identification and treatment of the fracture site. The procedure may involve debridement of the fracture site, realignment of the bone fragment, and stabilization using heavy nonabsorbable sutures or internal fixation devices such as wires or cancellous lag screws with washers. In instances where the fracture is more extensive, a deltopectoral approach may be necessary to facilitate the placement of fixation devices. Additionally, if there is any damage to the rotator cuff, it is addressed and repaired during the same surgical intervention.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The open treatment of a greater humeral tuberosity fracture is indicated for specific conditions and symptoms that necessitate surgical intervention. These include:

  • Isolated Greater Tuberosity Fracture An isolated fracture of the greater tuberosity of the humerus, particularly when it is displaced, requires surgical correction to restore anatomical alignment and function.
  • Associated Rotator Cuff Tears The presence of rotator cuff tears, especially between the supraspinatus and subscapularis tendons, often accompanies greater tuberosity fractures, necessitating repair during the surgical procedure.
  • Failure of Conservative Treatment When non-surgical management, such as physical therapy or immobilization, fails to alleviate symptoms or restore function, surgical intervention becomes necessary.

2. Procedure

The procedure for the open treatment of a greater humeral tuberosity fracture involves several critical steps to ensure proper alignment and stabilization of the fracture. These steps include:

  • Step 1: Surgical Approach The surgeon selects an appropriate surgical approach based on the nature of the fracture. For smaller fractures, an anterosuperior approach is typically utilized, while larger fractures may require an incision over the anterior or anteroinferior shoulder.
  • Step 2: Deltoid Muscle Exposure The deltoid muscle is carefully split by peeling it off the posterior acromion to gain access to the greater tuberosity. This step is crucial for exposing the fracture site adequately.
  • Step 3: Fracture Site Identification Once the greater tuberosity is exposed, the surgeon identifies the fracture site. This involves assessing the fracture's characteristics and determining the best course of action for repair.
  • Step 4: Debridement and Alignment The fracture site is debrided to remove any debris or damaged tissue. The bone fragment is then positioned in anatomical alignment to facilitate proper healing.
  • Step 5: Stabilization The greater tuberosity fragment may be secured using heavy nonabsorbable sutures. If internal fixation is deemed necessary, the surgeon may apply wire or cancellous lag screws with washers to stabilize the fracture effectively.
  • Step 6: Additional Exposure (if needed) For larger fractures, a deltopectoral approach may be required to allow for the placement of drill holes and fixation devices, ensuring adequate stabilization of the fracture.
  • Step 7: Rotator Cuff Repair Following the repair of the fracture, any associated injuries to the rotator cuff are addressed and repaired to restore shoulder function and stability.

3. Post-Procedure

After the open treatment of a greater humeral tuberosity fracture, post-procedure care is essential for optimal recovery. Patients are typically monitored for any complications and may be advised to follow a rehabilitation program to regain strength and mobility in the shoulder. The expected recovery period can vary based on the extent of the injury and the surgical intervention performed. Patients may need to limit shoulder movement and engage in physical therapy to facilitate healing and restore function. Follow-up appointments are crucial to assess the healing process and ensure that the fracture is properly aligned and stable.

Short Descr OPTX GR HMRL TBRS FX INT FIX
Medium Descr OPTX GREATER HUMERAL TUBEROSITY FX W/INT FIXJ
Long Descr Open treatment of greater humeral tuberosity fracture, includes internal fixation, when performed
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 Device-intensive procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later; paid at adjusted rate.
Type of Service (TOS) 2 - Surgery
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) P5B - Ambulatory procedures - musculoskeletal
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 148 - Other fracture and dislocation procedure
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).
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
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.
50 Bilateral procedure: unless otherwise identified in the listings, bilateral procedures that are performed at the same session, should be identified by adding modifier 50 to the appropriate 5 digit code. 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).
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) 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).
54 Surgical care only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performs a surgical procedure and another provides preoperative and/or postoperative management, surgical services may be identified by adding modifier 54 to the usual procedure number.
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.
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.
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.
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
77 Repeat procedure by another physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a basic procedure or service was repeated by another physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 77 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
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).
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
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
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
LT Left side (used to identify procedures performed on the left side of the body)
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
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
Date
Action
Notes
2023-01-01 Note Short and medium descriptions changed.
2008-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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