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Official Description

Excision or curettage of bone cyst or benign tumor of head or neck of radius or olecranon process; with autograft (includes obtaining graft)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 24125 involves the excision or curettage of a bone cyst or benign tumor located in the head or neck of the radius or the olecranon process. A bone cyst is defined as a fluid-filled space within the bone, which can vary in type. The unicameral or simple bone cyst is the most common, characterized as a benign lesion. In contrast, an aneurysmal bone cyst is less common and consists of vascular tissue surrounding a blood-filled cystic lesion. Additionally, there are various types of benign bone tumors, including giant cell tumors, chondromyxoid fibromas, and enchondromas. The procedure begins with an incision made over the lesion site, followed by dissection of the soft tissues to expose the lesion. If a cystic lesion is identified, the bone is incised to create a window, allowing for the aspiration of fluid, which is then sent for laboratory analysis. The lining of the cystic cavity is removed using a curette. In cases where benign tumors are present, the lesion is excised along with a margin of healthy bone. Following the excision or curettage, the procedure includes the use of an autograft, where healthy bone is obtained either locally or from a separate site, such as the iliac crest, and packed into the defect created in the bone. This comprehensive approach ensures the effective treatment of the lesion while promoting healing through the use of the patient's own bone tissue.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The procedure described by CPT® Code 24125 is indicated for the treatment of specific conditions affecting the bone in the head or neck of the radius or olecranon process. These indications include:

  • Bone Cysts - Fluid-filled spaces within the bone that may require intervention due to size, symptoms, or risk of complications.
  • Benign Tumors - Non-cancerous growths such as giant cell tumors, chondromyxoid fibromas, and enchondromas that necessitate excision to alleviate symptoms or prevent further complications.

2. Procedure

The procedure for CPT® Code 24125 involves several critical steps to ensure effective treatment of the bone cyst or benign tumor. These steps include:

  • Step 1: Incision and Exposure - An incision is made in the skin over the lesion located in the head or neck of the radius or olecranon process. The surgeon carefully dissects the soft tissues to expose the lesion, ensuring minimal damage to surrounding structures.
  • Step 2: Bone Incision and Cystic Lesion Management - If a cystic lesion is present, the surgeon incises the bone to create a window, allowing access to the cyst. The fluid within the cyst is aspirated and sent to the laboratory for analysis. A curette is then inserted through the bone window to completely remove the lining of the cystic cavity by curettage.
  • Step 3: Excision of Benign Lesion - In cases where a benign tumor is present, the lesion is excised along with a margin of surrounding healthy bone. This step is crucial to ensure complete removal of the tumor and reduce the risk of recurrence.
  • Step 4: Autograft Placement - After the lesion has been curetted or excised, the surgeon obtains healthy bone, either from the same site or from a separate location, such as the iliac crest. This autograft is then packed into the defect created in the head or neck of the radius or olecranon process, promoting healing and structural integrity.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the excision or curettage of a bone cyst or benign tumor includes monitoring for any signs of complications, such as infection or excessive bleeding. Patients may be advised to limit movement of the affected area to facilitate healing. Follow-up appointments are essential to assess the surgical site and ensure proper recovery. The use of pain management strategies may also be recommended to address any discomfort during the recovery period. Additionally, the physician may provide specific instructions regarding activity restrictions and rehabilitation to optimize healing and restore function.

Short Descr EXC/CRTG B1 CST/TUM RDS AGRF
Medium Descr EXC/CURTG BONE CST/B9 TUM H/N RDS/OLECRN W/AGRFT
Long Descr Excision or curettage of bone cyst or benign tumor of head or neck of radius or olecranon process; with autograft (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) 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 142 - Partial excision bone
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).
AS Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery
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
Date
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2023-01-01 Note Short description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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