© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 24346 involves the reconstruction of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the elbow using a tendon graft, which includes the harvesting of the graft itself. The MCL, also known as the ulnar collateral ligament, is a critical structure that stabilizes the elbow joint and is composed of three interconnected bands of tissue. These bands are essential for maintaining the integrity of the elbow during various movements. The anterior band connects the anterior medial epicondyle of the humerus to the coronoid process of the ulna, while the posterior band attaches to the posterior aspect of the medial humeral epicondyle and the medial edge of the ulnar olecranon process. The intermediate band serves as a bridge between the anterior and posterior bands. Injuries to the MCL can occur due to acute trauma, such as a fall or direct impact, or from chronic stress, often seen in athletes who perform repetitive overhead motions. The reconstruction procedure aims to restore the function and stability of the elbow joint by replacing the damaged ligament with a tendon graft, which can be sourced from various tendons in the body, such as the palmaris longus, plantaris, Achilles, or hamstring tendons. This surgical intervention is crucial for patients experiencing significant instability or pain due to MCL injuries, allowing them to return to their normal activities or sports with improved joint function.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The reconstruction of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the elbow using a tendon graft, as described by CPT® Code 24346, is indicated for the following conditions:
The procedure for reconstructing the medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the elbow with a tendon graft involves several critical steps:
After the reconstruction of the medial collateral ligament, patients typically undergo a rehabilitation program to facilitate recovery. Post-procedure care may include immobilization of the elbow in a brace to protect the surgical site and allow for healing. Physical therapy is often initiated to restore range of motion, strength, and function gradually. The expected recovery time can vary based on the extent of the injury and the individual’s adherence to rehabilitation protocols. Regular follow-up appointments are essential to monitor healing and ensure that the elbow is regaining stability and function.
| Short Descr | RECONSTRUCT ELBOW MED LIGMNT | Medium Descr | RCNSTJ MEDIAL COLTRL LIGM ELBW W/TDN GRF | Long Descr | Reconstruction medial collateral ligament, elbow, with tendon graft (includes harvesting of 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 | Non office-based surgical procedure added in CY 2008 or later; 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 | 162 - Other OR therapeutic procedures on joints |
| 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). | 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. | 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). | AS | Physician assistant, nurse practitioner, or clinical nurse specialist services for assistant at surgery | F5 | Right hand, thumb | 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) | XS | Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| 2002-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 2002. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.