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The CPT® Code 24320 refers to a surgical procedure known as tenoplasty, which involves the repair of a tendon through the transfer of muscle. This procedure is specifically designed to stabilize the elbow and upper arm, as well as to restore function to these areas. The term 'tenoplasty' indicates that the focus is on the repair of the tendon, while the muscle transfer aspect involves relocating a muscle to enhance the effectiveness of the repair. There are various techniques utilized in this procedure, including the local transfer of an existing muscle from the elbow or upper arm to a new site, or the free transfer of a muscle that is expendable, such as the gracilis muscle from the thigh. During the procedure, a skin incision is made over the elbow or upper arm to access the injured or atrophied tendon. The surgeon carefully identifies the tendon and dissects the surrounding neurovascular structures to protect them during the operation. The injured tendon is then detached and may undergo debridement to remove any damaged tissue. In some cases, the tendon is sliced open to facilitate the removal of scar tissue. The site where the tendon will be reattached—whether on the shoulder, upper arm, or elbow—is drilled to create a secure anchor point. The repaired tendon is then affixed to this new site using a fixing wire that is pulled through the drill hole, or alternatively, screw fixation may be employed to secure a bone fragment that is connected to the tendon. If a local muscle transfer is performed, the existing bony attachments of the muscle are severed, and the muscle is reattached at the new site. In cases where a free muscle transfer is indicated, a separate incision is made over the muscle to be harvested, which is excised along with its nerve and blood supply. This excised muscle is then trimmed as necessary and sutured to the bones of the shoulder, upper arm, or elbow in a manner that stabilizes the joint and facilitates the reinnervation of the muscle, ultimately restoring motion. The CPT® Code 24320 specifically reports a single muscle or tendon transfer, highlighting the focused nature of this surgical intervention.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 24320 is indicated for various conditions that necessitate the stabilization of the elbow and upper arm, as well as the restoration of function in these areas. The following are the explicitly provided indications for performing this procedure:
The procedure associated with CPT® Code 24320 involves several critical steps that ensure the successful transfer of muscle and repair of the tendon. The following outlines the procedural steps in detail:
After the completion of the procedure, post-operative care is essential for optimal recovery. Patients may be monitored for any signs of complications, such as infection or improper healing. Rehabilitation typically involves physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the affected arm. The expected recovery period may vary depending on the extent of the surgery and the individual patient's healing process. Patients are advised to follow their surgeon's instructions regarding activity restrictions and rehabilitation exercises to ensure the best possible outcome following the muscle transfer and tendon repair.
| Short Descr | TENOPLASTY ELBOW TO SHO 1 | Medium Descr | TENOPLASTY ELBOW TO SHOULDER SINGLE | Long Descr | Tenoplasty, with muscle transfer, with or without free graft, elbow to shoulder, single (Seddon-Brookes type procedure) | 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) | 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply. | 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 | 2 | CCS Clinical Classification | 160 - Other therapeutic procedures on muscles and tendons |
| 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). | 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. | 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) |
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| 2023-01-01 | Note | Short description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
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