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Official Description

Excision, radial head

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The procedure described by CPT® Code 24130 refers to the excision of the radial head, which is a surgical intervention aimed at removing the radial head, a part of the radius bone located near the elbow joint. This procedure is typically indicated for patients who experience pain, instability, or other disabilities in the elbow joint due to old trauma affecting the radial head, without the presence of a concurrent fracture. The surgical approach involves making a posterolateral skin incision directly over the radial head, allowing the surgeon to access the underlying structures. During the procedure, careful dissection of the soft tissue is performed to protect critical anatomical structures, such as the posterior interosseous nerve, which is essential for maintaining motor function in the forearm. The lateral collateral ligament is also meticulously dissected from the radial head, ensuring that the distal fibers remain attached to the radius below the radial head to preserve joint stability. Following the excision, a bone saw is utilized to remove the radial head, and the edges of the bone are smoothed to promote healing. Finally, the overlying soft tissue and skin are closed in layers to complete the procedure, ensuring proper recovery and minimizing complications.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The excision of the radial head, as described by CPT® Code 24130, is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Old Trauma to the Radial Head This procedure is performed to address complications arising from previous injuries to the radial head that have led to persistent pain or dysfunction.
  • Pain in the Elbow Joint Patients experiencing chronic pain in the elbow joint due to issues with the radial head may benefit from this surgical intervention.
  • Instability of the Elbow Joint The procedure is indicated for individuals who have developed instability in the elbow joint as a result of damage to the radial head.
  • Disability of the Elbow Joint Patients who suffer from functional limitations or disabilities in the elbow joint related to the condition of the radial head may require this excision to improve their quality of life.

2. Procedure

The excision of the radial head involves several critical procedural steps, which are outlined as follows:

  • Step 1: Incision A posterolateral skin incision is made over the radial head to provide access to the surgical site. This incision is strategically placed to minimize damage to surrounding tissues and facilitate the excision process.
  • Step 2: Dissection of Soft Tissue The surgeon carefully dissects the soft tissue structures surrounding the radial head. During this step, it is crucial to protect the posterior interosseous nerve, which runs in close proximity to the radial head and is vital for forearm function.
  • Step 3: Dissection of the Lateral Collateral Ligament The lateral collateral ligament is meticulously dissected from the radial head. The surgeon ensures that the distal fibers of the ligament remain attached to the radius below the radial head, preserving the integrity of the elbow joint.
  • Step 4: Excision of the Radial Head A bone saw is employed to excise the radial head. This step requires precision to ensure complete removal of the damaged bone while minimizing trauma to surrounding structures.
  • Step 5: Smoothing Bone Edges After the radial head is excised, the edges of the remaining bone are smoothed to promote healing and reduce the risk of complications such as bone spurs or irritation of surrounding tissues.
  • Step 6: Closure of Soft Tissue and Skin The final step involves closing the overlying soft tissue and skin in layers. This layered closure technique helps to ensure proper healing and reduces the likelihood of complications such as infection or dehiscence.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the excision of the radial head is essential for optimal recovery. Patients are typically monitored for any signs of complications, such as infection or excessive swelling. Pain management strategies are implemented to ensure patient comfort during the recovery phase. Rehabilitation may be recommended to restore range of motion and strength in the elbow joint. Patients are advised to follow up with their healthcare provider to assess healing and determine when they can safely resume normal activities. Adherence to post-operative instructions is crucial for a successful recovery and to achieve the best possible functional outcomes.

Short Descr EXCISION RADIAL HEAD
Medium Descr EXCISION RADIAL HEAD
Long Descr Excision, radial head
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) 1 - Statutory payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies 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
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).
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.
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.
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).
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)
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
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2023-01-01 Note Short description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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