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Official Description

Open treatment of periarticular fracture and/or dislocation of the elbow (fracture distal humerus and proximal ulna and/or proximal radius);

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 24586 refers to the open treatment of a periarticular fracture and/or dislocation of the elbow, specifically involving fractures of the distal humerus and proximal ulna and/or proximal radius. A periarticular fracture is one that occurs near a joint, which can significantly impact the joint's function and stability. The procedure involves an open reduction, which is a surgical method used to realign the fractured bone fragments to their normal anatomical position. This is crucial for restoring the elbow's function and preventing long-term complications such as stiffness or arthritis. The surgical approach typically requires an incision over the posterior aspect of the elbow, allowing the surgeon to access the fractured area directly. During the procedure, critical structures such as the ulnar and radial nerves are carefully exposed and protected to avoid nerve damage. The surgeon will clear any fracture debris and align the bone fragments, often using internal fixation methods to maintain the proper alignment during the healing process. This procedure is essential for patients with significant elbow injuries that cannot be managed through non-surgical means, ensuring optimal recovery and restoration of elbow function.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The open treatment of periarticular fractures and/or dislocations of the elbow, as described by CPT® Code 24586, is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Displaced Periarticular Fracture A fracture occurring near the elbow joint that is misaligned and requires surgical intervention to restore proper anatomy.
  • Elbow Dislocation A condition where the bones of the elbow joint are out of their normal position, necessitating surgical correction to ensure joint stability and function.
  • Fracture of Distal Humerus A fracture located at the lower end of the humerus bone, which can affect the elbow joint's integrity and movement.
  • Fracture of Proximal Ulna A fracture at the upper end of the ulna bone, which is critical for elbow function and stability.
  • Fracture of Proximal Radius A fracture at the upper end of the radius bone, which can also impact the elbow's range of motion and overall function.

2. Procedure

The procedure for open treatment of a periarticular fracture and/or dislocation of the elbow involves several critical steps:

  • Step 1: Incision and Exposure An incision is made over the posterior aspect of the elbow to provide access to the underlying structures. The ulnar nerve is carefully exposed and dissected free from surrounding tissues, ensuring it is protected throughout the procedure.
  • Step 2: Triceps Tendon Splitting The triceps tendon is split in the midline, extending from the distal aspect of the humerus to the olecranon process. This step is essential for gaining access to the fracture site.
  • Step 3: Nerve Protection The radial nerve is also exposed and protected to prevent any potential injury during the surgical procedure.
  • Step 4: Fracture Site Preparation The surgeon clears fracture fragments and debris from the fracture site to facilitate proper alignment and fixation of the bone fragments.
  • Step 5: Fracture Reduction The fractures of the distal humerus, proximal ulna, and/or proximal radius are reduced, meaning they are realigned to their anatomical position.
  • Step 6: Internal Fixation Internal fixation devices, such as plates or screws, are used to maintain the alignment of the fracture fragments. Alternatively, external fixation may be applied if deemed necessary.
  • Step 7: Radiographic Verification The alignment of the fracture is verified using radiographic imaging to ensure proper positioning before closing the surgical site.
  • Step 8: Wound Closure The operative wound is closed in layers, ensuring that all tissues are properly aligned and secured to promote healing.

3. Post-Procedure

After the procedure, patients typically require careful monitoring and follow-up care. Post-operative care may include pain management, physical therapy to restore range of motion, and instructions for activity restrictions to ensure proper healing. The arm is usually placed in a splint to immobilize the elbow and protect the surgical site during the initial recovery phase. Patients are advised to follow up with their healthcare provider to assess healing and determine when they can gradually resume normal activities.

Short Descr TREAT ELBOW FRACTURE
Medium Descr OPTX PERIARTICULAR FRACTURE &/DISLOCATION ELBO
Long Descr Open treatment of periarticular fracture and/or dislocation of the elbow (fracture distal humerus and proximal ulna and/or proximal radius);
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) P5B - Ambulatory procedures - musculoskeletal
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 145 - Treatment, fracture or dislocation of radius and ulna
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).
52 Reduced services: under certain circumstances a service or procedure is partially reduced or eliminated at the discretion of the physician or other qualified health care professional. under these circumstances the service provided can be identified by its usual procedure number and the addition of modifier 52, signifying that the service is reduced. this provides a means of reporting reduced services without disturbing the identification of the basic service. note: for hospital outpatient reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well-being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
54 Surgical care only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performs a surgical procedure and another provides preoperative and/or postoperative management, surgical services may be identified by adding modifier 54 to the usual procedure number.
55 Postoperative management only: when 1 physician or other qualified health care professional performed the postoperative management and another performed the surgical procedure, the postoperative component may be identified by adding modifier 55 to the usual procedure number.
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.
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).
AG Primary physician
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
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
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
Action
Notes
2013-01-01 Changed Medium Descriptor changed.
2010-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
2004-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
2001-01-01 Changed Code description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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