© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 24360 refers to an arthroplasty of the elbow that utilizes a membrane, such as a fascial graft, to repair damaged or deteriorated articular cartilage and joint surfaces. This surgical intervention is indicated for patients experiencing significant joint dysfunction due to conditions affecting the elbow, such as arthritis or trauma. The procedure begins with a skin incision made over the elbow joint, either on the medial or lateral side of the olecranon process, which is the bony prominence of the ulna at the elbow. The surgical team carefully dissects the soft tissues to expose the underlying structures, ensuring that the ulnar nerve is identified and protected throughout the operation. During the procedure, the lateral epicondyle of the humerus is exposed, and the interval between the anconeus muscle and the flexor carpi ulnaris is incised to allow for mobilization of the triceps muscle. The anconeus is then elevated from the lateral aspect of the proximal ulna to gain access to the elbow joint. The surgical approach continues with dissection of the tissue off the lateral epicondyle, followed by external rotation and flexion of the elbow to facilitate access to the posterior joint capsule. The posterior joint capsule is opened, exposing the roof of the olecranon, and the medial collateral ligament is released from the epicondyle to further enhance visibility and access to the joint surfaces. Once all joint surfaces are adequately exposed, any deteriorated articular cartilage and bone are meticulously removed. A fascial graft is harvested to cover the joint surfaces, providing a supportive layer that aids in the healing process. After the graft is placed, ligaments and tendons, including the triceps, are reattached to restore the structural integrity of the elbow. In some cases, a subcutaneous pocket may be created for the ulnar nerve, positioned between the subcutaneous fat and fascia near the medial epicondyle to protect the nerve during recovery. Finally, the fascia and skin are closed in layers, and the arm is fully extended and placed in a splint to stabilize the joint during the initial healing phase.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The procedure described by CPT® Code 24360 is indicated for patients with significant elbow joint dysfunction due to various conditions. These may include:
The arthroplasty procedure involves several detailed steps to ensure effective repair of the elbow joint. Each step is crucial for achieving optimal outcomes.
After the arthroplasty procedure, patients can expect a recovery period that may involve immobilization of the elbow in a splint to ensure stability and promote healing. Post-operative care typically includes pain management, monitoring for any signs of infection, and gradual rehabilitation to restore range of motion and strength. Physical therapy may be recommended to assist in regaining function and mobility in the elbow joint. Follow-up appointments will be necessary to assess healing and determine when the patient can safely resume normal activities.
| Short Descr | RECONSTRUCT ELBOW JOINT | Medium Descr | ARTHROPLASTY ELBOW W/MEMBRANE | Long Descr | Arthroplasty, elbow; with membrane (eg, fascial) | 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 | Device-intensive procedure added to ASC list in CY 2008 or later; paid at adjusted rate. | Type of Service (TOS) | 2 - Surgery | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | P3D - Major procedure, orthopedic - other | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 154 - Arthroplasty other than hip or knee |
| 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). | 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. | 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. | 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) |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.