Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
RedactPHI
HIPAA-Compliant PHI Redaction
DetectICD10CM
ICD-10-CM Code Detection
Log in Register free account
1 code page views remaining. Guest accounts are limited to 1 page view. Register free account to get 5 more views.
Log in Register free account

Official Description

Open treatment of acute shoulder dislocation

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 23660 refers to the open treatment of an acute shoulder dislocation, a procedure that is essential for restoring the normal alignment of the shoulder joint when dislocation occurs. An acute shoulder dislocation is a condition where the humeral head, which is the ball of the shoulder joint, is displaced from its normal position in the glenoid cavity of the scapula. This procedure is typically indicated when there are complications such as blood vessel or nerve injuries associated with the dislocation, or when previous attempts to correct the dislocation through closed reduction methods have been unsuccessful. The open reduction technique involves making a surgical incision over the shoulder joint to allow direct access to the affected area. This approach enables the physician to manipulate the humeral head back into its proper position with precision, ensuring that the joint is stabilized and that any potential damage to surrounding structures is addressed. The procedure is performed under sterile conditions and requires careful evaluation of the shoulder's stability post-reduction to ensure proper healing and function.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The open treatment of acute shoulder dislocation, as described by CPT® Code 23660, is indicated in specific clinical scenarios. These include:

  • Acute Shoulder Dislocation This procedure is performed when a patient presents with an acute dislocation of the shoulder joint, which may be associated with significant pain and loss of function.
  • Complications from Dislocation Open reduction is indicated when there are complications such as blood vessel or nerve injuries that necessitate direct surgical intervention.
  • Failed Closed Reduction Attempts If multiple attempts at closed reduction have failed to restore the shoulder to its normal position, open treatment becomes necessary to achieve proper alignment.

2. Procedure

The procedure for open treatment of an acute shoulder dislocation involves several critical steps to ensure successful reduction and stabilization of the joint. The following procedural steps are outlined:

  • Step 1: Incision An incision is made over the shoulder joint to provide direct access to the dislocated area. The specific approach may vary depending on whether the dislocation is anterior or posterior.
  • Step 2: Anterior Dislocation Reduction For an anterior shoulder dislocation, the subscapularis and anterior joint capsule are incised near their insertion to the lesser tuberosity of the humerus. Lateral traction is applied to the arm, and the humerus is externally rotated to facilitate the return of the humeral head to its normal anatomical alignment within the glenohumeral joint.
  • Step 3: Verification of Reduction Once the humeral head is repositioned, lateral traction is maintained while the humerus is internally rotated. This step is crucial to verify that the humeral head has passed by the anterior glenoid lip and is properly seated in the glenoid fossa.
  • Step 4: Posterior Dislocation Reduction In cases of posterior shoulder dislocation, a deltopectoral approach, posterior approach, or deltoid splitting approach may be utilized. The joint capsule is incised at the rotator interval, allowing the humeral head to be returned to its normal anatomical position under direct visualization.
  • Step 5: Stability Evaluation After the reduction, the stability of the shoulder joint is evaluated through internal rotation of the shoulder to ensure that the humeral head is securely positioned.
  • Step 6: Closure and Immobilization Once the procedure is complete, the incisions are closed, and the shoulder is immobilized using a sling, swathe, or immobilizer to support the joint during the initial healing phase.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the open treatment of an acute shoulder dislocation is essential for optimal recovery. Patients are typically advised to keep the shoulder immobilized in a sling or similar device to limit movement and promote healing. Pain management strategies may be implemented to address discomfort during the recovery period. Physical therapy may be recommended after a period of immobilization to restore range of motion, strength, and function to the shoulder. Regular follow-up appointments are necessary to monitor the healing process and assess the stability of the shoulder joint. Patients should be educated on signs of complications, such as increased pain, swelling, or changes in sensation, which may require prompt medical attention.

Short Descr OPTX ACUTE SHOULDER DISLC
Medium Descr OPEN TX ACUTE SHOULDER DISLOCATION
Long Descr Open treatment of acute shoulder dislocation
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) P5B - Ambulatory procedures - musculoskeletal
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).
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.
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.
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).
81 Minimum assistant surgeon: minimum surgical assistant services are identified by adding modifier 81 to the usual procedure number.
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
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)
RT Right side (used to identify procedures performed on the right side of the body)
SG Ambulatory surgical center (asc) facility service
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
Date
Action
Notes
2023-01-01 Note Short description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"